Experiencing Pain in the Arch of Your Foot? You May Have Plantar Fasciitis

Approximately 10% of women and men in the United States experience a bout of plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. However, only about 1% receive a medical diagnosis for this painful condition each year. 

You may not even know that you have something called the plantar fascia until it begins to give you trouble. The plantar fascia is a collection of thick bands of tissue that stretch from your toes to your heel and act like a shock absorber.

However, due to wear and tear, aging, or trauma, your plantar fascia can begin to tear. Even tiny rips in the tissue may cause inflammation, which leads to the painful condition called plantar fasciitis. 

The inflammation may also cause the plantar tissue to shrink. Shrunken, swollen plantar fascia can no longer absorb shocks to your foot; every step can be excruciating.

Our board-certified podiatrist, Nathaniel Alabi, DPM, at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, along with our podiatric team, can diagnose plantar fasciitis. They then custom design a treatment plan at our offices in Greater Heights, Pearland Market, and throughout the Houston, Texas, area.

Is your arch pain due to plantar fasciitis or another condition? Only a podiatrist can tell for sure, but the following information may help you understand your pain and your options for treatment.

Where does your foot hurt?

Although you may feel the pain of plantar fasciitis most acutely in your arch, the condition is often associated with heel pain. However, you may experience pain and swelling anywhere along the bottom, or sole, of your foot.

When does your foot hurt?

Because the plantar fascia is shrunken and swollen, it may hurt less as the day goes on and your foot is stretched during normal use. A key sign that you may have plantar fasciitis instead of another condition is that your arch and heel pain is worst first thing in the morning.

You may also notice that your arch hurts again after you’ve sat for awhile or rested your foot. Gentle movements and stretches can help prepare your foot for action again.

Do you overstress your feet?

Plantar fasciitis usually results from overuse or stress, including stress due to excess body weight. You may develop plantar fasciitis if you’re:

• Obese
• Older
• Pregnant
• A runner
• A dancer
• An athlete
• A soldier

Any profession or avocation that puts stress on your feet puts you at risk for plantar fasciitis.

Do you have other types of foot problems?

Anything that throws off the balance of your feet or stresses your plantar fascia can lead to plantar fasciitis. You may be at greater risk for plantar fasciitis if you have:

• A tight Achilles tendon
• A tight calf muscle
• Overpronation
• Flat feet

In addition, once you try to compensate for the pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis, you may throw your feet out of alignment, leading to other problems up the kinetic chain. For instance, the pain of plantar fasciitis may then negatively affect how your ankle, knee, and hip work and even affect your other foot and leg.

How to deal with plantar fasciitis

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis — or just have unexplained arch or heel pain — the first step is to get a diagnosis and customized treatment plan. We thoroughly evaluate your foot via physical examination, medical and personal history, as well as imaging studies. If we diagnosis plantar fasciitis, your treatment plan could include a number of options, such as:

• Night splint — stretches your fascia
• Custom orthotics — support arch, absorb shocks
• Physical therapy — stretches and strengthens fascia
• Corticosteroid injections — reduce pain and inflammation
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy — helps heal the fascia

Get help for your plantar fasciitis and arch pain. Simply contact our team today by phone or message for an appointment at the office nearest you. We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston.