Standing on your feet all day for work and participating in sports and exercise programs puts a lot of pressure on your arches. The stretched arch often develops tiny tears in a condition called plantar fasciitis. Oddly enough, the problems caused by plantar fasciitis are often first noticed as severe, intermittent heel pain that occurs upon rising from sleep. Arch problems can be hard to trace and treat yourself, so be sure to make an appointment with your podiatrist.
Some possible causes of plantar fasciitis include the following:
Poorly fitting shoes and inadequate arch support.
Having a computerized gait analysis done by your foot doctor will show if you have pronation problems and will help your foot doctor design the right arch supports and custom orthotics.
Being severely overweight.
Carrying a lot of extra pounds increases the stress and pressure on the arches. This is particularly serious when the arch isn’t properly supported (see above).
Calf muscle abnormalities.
Wearing shoes with high heels puts extreme stress on the calf muscles and can cause them to shorten, thereby weakening the arches. This can lead to tears and stretching of the arch tissue and other foot and ankle problems.
Some simple and effective treatments for plantar fasciitis include the following:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (The RICE protocol)
- Physical therapy exercises for the calves and Achilles tendon
- Wearing properly fitting shoes with the correct arch support
- Immobilizing the foot with a rigid boot
If you are experiencing arch problems and accompanying heel pain, be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper care. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.