If your first steps of the day cause severe heel pain, you could be suffering from a condition called plantar fasciitis. Dr. Michael Orefice of Active Health in Milford, Connecticut specializes in treating soft tissue conditions like plantar fasciitis through a combination of chiropractic care, acupuncture, and exercises. He also offers custom foot orthotics to give your feet the support they need to prevent further pain and discomfort. If your feet hurt as soon as you get out of bed, call or schedule a consultation using the online system.
request an appointmentWhat is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes stabbing pain in your heels. It happens when the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes — and also supports your arch — becomes weak, swollen, or irritated.
An excessive amount of tension and stress on the ligament (fascia) in the arch of your foot can result in small tears in the ligament. This causes stabbing heel pain or pain across the bottom of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis is most common among men and women between the ages of 40 and 60. Athletes, runners, and ballet dancers may experience these painful symptoms earlier in life as a result of excessive heel strain.
Plantar fasciitis sometimes occurs because of wear and tear over the years. It can also affect men and women who stand on their feet many hours each day for work. Often, pain is most intense when you first stand up or start walking after getting out of bed or sitting for an extended period.
What are the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis?
Sometimes the cause of plantar fasciitis isn’t known, but many times there are risk factors involved that contribute to your pain. Some of these risk factors include:
- Walking or standing on hard surfaces many hours a day
- Obesity or extra weight
- Naturally tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
- A history of running, dancing, or exercising in ways that put repeated strain on your heels
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Unsupportive shoes
- Age
What are the treatment options?
Plantar fasciitis, although painful, usually isn’t a serious condition. Most men and women respond well to treatments that include stretching exercises meant to strengthen your lower leg muscles and stabilize your feet.
Dr. Mike may also recommend that you wear more supportive footwear or custom-made foot orthotics to help support your arches and relieve strain. Additionally, taking a break from the activity that is contributing to your plantar fasciitis pain whenever possible can help alleviate your symptoms. Icing your heel when it hurts can also help.
Once he determines that your foot pain is the result of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Mike creates a treatment plan so you can get prompt relief.
Call or go online to make an appointment at Active Health today.