A quick look at a common nail condition you've never heard of
If you've ever had a hangnail, you know how irritating they are. Hangnails can be painful and getting rid of them is an exercise in trying to avoid an infection.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most typical causes of foot pain in the U.S. and one of the most frustrating. If you've ever experienced it, you know that the sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch can completely disrupt your day.
Looking for relief can often be frustrating, but it does exist! Stay tuned as we explore the different treatment options for plantar fasciitis and get you back to your routine.
Simply put, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue that extends through the foot from your heel. The foot's structure is often to blame: if you have flat feet or significantly high arches, you may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. At its root, Plantar Fasciitis is also a strain injury. It can be caused by too much walking or running. You may develop it by wearing unsupportive shoes like flats or flip-flops while walking on hard surfaces. Wearing supportive shoes that are formed to your foot can help you prevent developing Plantar Fasciitis.
The typical discomfort of plantar fasciitis occurs most often in the heel and the arch of the foot. You may notice it gets worse in the morning and better during the day as you walk and stretch the inflamed fascia out. It can also become more severe over time, and you may notice swelling in your heel.
Initial remedies can start at home, with treatments like these:
If you're still experiencing pain after several months of at-home treatment, then you might want to see your podiatrist for additional steps. A podiatrist can suggest therapies like supportive orthotic devices, corticosteroid injections that relieve pain and reduce inflammation, or physical therapy.
In some cases, if the discomfort does not get better after several months, your podiatrist may recommend corrective surgery.
Have you experienced plantar fasciitis? It can disrupt your life and left untreated, it can last months - even up to a full year. If you notice frequent pain in your heel or the arch of your foot, get in contact with your podiatrist. At City Derm, we provide podiatric services as part of our slate of high-quality healthcare, and we'd love to work with you to develop a custom treatment plan.
