Stepping Back from an Active Lifestyle:
Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis can be a painful halt to an
active lifestyle.
Posted on: Patch.com
I had the chance to sit down with my
mother-in-law and ask her about her foot condition called plantar fasciitis, which causes heel and arch pain. The plantar
fascia is a flat band ligament that attaches to the bone in the heel to the
toes. If the plantar fascia gets damaged or inflamed it weakens and causes pain
in the bottom of your feet.
Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone,
especially people who are on their feet a lot. In addition, anatomical
conditions such as high arches, flat feet, excessive pronation (rolling your
feet inward) and having tight calf muscles can all have an impact on developing
plantar fasciitis. Also, people who are overweight or wear poor-fitting shoes
can be more prone to developing the condition.
People who have plantar fasciitis often
experience pain in one foot, although it can be in both feet. They experience
pain after they have been sitting and get up to walk or, if they have been
standing for a long time, they have to get off their feet because of the pain.
My mother-in-law said, “I know when I wake up
in the morning that I’m going to be in pain. The first few steps [I] take are
the worst. However, I’ve learned how to manage the pain and my feet are
functional. That’s all I can ask for.”
Doctors have several treatment
options, but the first step is to manage the
swelling and rest your feet. That can be a difficult thing for people who are
used to an active lifestyle. There are also braces, medication and surgery that
can help with the pain. You may also seek the advice of a podiatrist, who specializes in orthotics. Physical therapy may
also be an option to relieve the inflammation and teach you how to strengthen
the lower extremities and stretch the calf muscle.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and your
doctor approves exercise, water aerobics is a great workout without the stress
of full weight-bearing exercise.
If you suspect you could have plantar
fasciitis, schedule an appointment to see your doctor. You don’t want to wait
until you have severe symptoms to get treatment. Early intervention can help
you get back on your feet.
Please
call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center
office in Las Vegas and the Henderson area anytime @702-878-2455
between Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm) and we would be happy to set up an
appointment for you. Please visit our
website @ www.FallCenter.com.
When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly
personalized treatment using the most advanced techniques. At the Foot, Ankle & Lower
Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an
unsurpassed level of quality care. Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr.
McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of foot and
ankle problems.
Your quality care begins the minute you
arrive, as our staff greets you by name and answers your questions. Our team of foot and ankle specialists will
inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your
trust.
You’ll receive a prompt and thorough
assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays. Your treatment plan is designed to resolve
your condition without surgery whenever possible. When surgery is needed, your feet are in the
hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive
techniques. As a result, you’ll be back
on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.
Without
proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing
even the simplest everyday tasks. To
meet patients’ most critical health needs, Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the
following “Center of Excellence” treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel
Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.