What You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis

The heel is a common source of foot pain; this comes as no surprise when you consider that every mile you walk puts 60 tons of stress on each foot. Your feet can handle quite a bit of stress, but going over the limit can cause extreme discomfort. 

Plantar fasciitis is a problem that can arise after too much running or jumping. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that travels across the bottom of your foot between your toes and your heel bone. The plantar fascia supports your foot's natural arch and stretches and becomes tight whenever your foot bears weight.

Your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, and if tension on that bowstring becomes too great, it can create small tears in the fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed.

Treatment methods for plantar fasciitis include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, orthotics, physical therapy to stretch the plantar fascia, or wearing a splint at night. In rare cases, surgery may be required to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone if conservative treatments have not been effective. 

To create a treatment plan specific to you for your heel pain, contact our specialists at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 985-4900 or click here to request an appointment online.