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.