There are countless causes of foot and ankle pain. Something as simple as stepping onto an uneven surface can force the foot into an unnatural position, straining its tendons and ligaments. Although pain that arises following a minor injury may dissipate on its own, persistent discomfort or aches that have no obvious cause warrant a trip to the podiatrist. If you experience a stabbing pain in the heel, for example, you might have plantar fasciitis. Here is what you should know about this condition.

Causes & Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis 

The plantar fascia is the band of tissue connecting the toes to the heel bone. If it becomes inflamed, it can cause considerable heel pain, especially first thing in the morning. When the inflammation persists, it is called plantar fasciitis. This condition, which is characterized by small tears throughout the fascia, is essentially an overuse injury and develops when you place too much stress on the foot. Therefore, people who are most likely to develop plantar fasciitis include runners and other athletes, individuals who work on their feet all day, and those who are obese. 

Treating Plantar Fasciitis 

If you ignore plantar fasciitis, it can lead to chronic heel pain that eventually affects mobility. It can also force you to compensate when walking and ultimately causes issues in other parts of the body. Fortunately, treating the condition is easy. Most patients have success with some combination of pain medication, physical therapy, night splints, and orthotics. More severe cases might require steroid injections, shock wave therapy, or minimally invasive surgery to remove the scar tissue contributing to the inflammation. 

If you think you have plantar fasciitis, turn to Eric R. Tepper, DPM in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Tepper is a seasoned podiatrist who has been diagnosing and treating foot conditions since 1983. His practice provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. They handle everything from sports injuries to diabetes complications. You can request an appointment by visiting their website or by calling (281) 980-3668.