Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Why Your Heel Pain Won’t Go Away and What Can Help

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain in the United States, with millions of patients struggling with pain that can negatively impact their ability to work, stay active, and do the activities they enjoy. At Macomb Pain Management, our team of pain management doctors and plantar fasciitis specialists is here to help you find practical solutions that adequately address your pain. Below, we’ll look more into plantar fasciitis and what to do to address this frustrating condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes significant pain, typically in the heel. It is caused by irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch of your foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to several symptoms, including:

1. Sharp heel pain
2. Pain that worsens after waking up in the morning
3. Tenderness and swelling of the foot
4. Tightness of the foot

Plantar fasciitis can affect one or both feet and present with varying pain levels. While some cases of plantar fasciitis are milder and limited in their scope of symptoms, others can be more severe. At Macomb Pain Management, our team can help you find effective treatment options when plantar fasciitis pain doesn’t improve.

Why Plantar Fasciitis Pain Can Persist

Many patients with plantar fasciitis pain find that their pain becomes chronic and complex to manage on their own without professional medical help. Other factors can further irritate the condition, including:

1. Ongoing strain on the feet
2. Wearing improper footwear
3. Ignoring early symptoms
4. Having tight calves and less flexibility in the legs

Ignoring the early warning signs of plantar fasciitis is another common reason patients develop persistent pain, as microscopic tears and scar tissue formation in the foot can lead to chronic pain. As with most chronic pain-causing conditions, early detection and treatment are essential for ensuring patients achieve the highest level of pain relief possible.

Whose is Most at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

While anyone of any age and demographic can develop plantar fasciitis, some risk factors can increase your chances of developing this condition. Some of those who are most at risk of developing plantar fasciitis include:

1. Athletes like runners
2. People who stand or walk all day at work
3. Adults over the age of 40
4. Patients who are overweight

If you suspect you are starting to develop plantar fasciitis, we recommend evaluating your pain as soon as symptoms begin.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Several effective treatment options for plantar fasciitis can improve your symptoms and help with pain management. Targeted stretching and physical therapy of the plantar fascia and the calf muscles is one minimally invasive and medication-free treatment option that can relieve pain. Other treatment options include:

1. Custom orthotics
2. Night splints
3. Endoscopic releases

To learn more about your treatment options for plantar fasciitis, contact Macomb Pain Management today to explore your treatment options and schedule a consultation.

Get Help With Plantar Fasciitis Pain at Macomb Pain Management

At Macomb Pain Management, we understand how plantar fasciitis pain can negatively impact your life and work with you to find safe, effective, and affordable treatment options. If you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis pain that won’t go away, contact our team today at (248) 844-8281.