How to Ease the Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis

Your podiatrists in St. Joseph, Kansas City, and Independence, MO, can help you get relief from plantar fasciitis

If you experience a sharp pain on your heel when you wake up and try to stand, you could have plantar fasciitis. It’s a common condition among runners and joggers, but non-athletes can get it too. Fortunately, your podiatrist knows just what to do to help you get relief from this painful condition.

Drs. Ben Olsen, Ross Bartley, and Russell Grimes at Pivotal Foot & Ankle Surgeons provide comprehensive podiatry services, including treatment of plantar fasciitis. They have three convenient office locations in St. Joseph, Kansas City, and Independence, MO, to help you and your feet feel better.

The thick band of tissue on your heel, known as the plantar fascia, can become inflamed, giving you plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by:

• Having flat feet
• Carrying excess weight
• Overpronating, or rolling your feet when you walk
• Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time
• Experiencing heavy foot stress from running, jogging, or other activities

When you have plantar fasciitis, you will experience:

• Sharp, stabbing pain on your heel and the side of your foot
• Heel pain that increases when you first stand up in the morning
• Heel pain that increases when you are active

For minor plantar fasciitis pain, you can try:

• Putting ice packs on your heel several times each day
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
• Doing gentle arch stretches every day

For moderate to severe plantar fasciitis pain, you should visit your podiatrist for professional treatment. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Custom orthotics and footwear to give you more foot support
• Stretching exercises and physical therapy to maintain flexibility
• Prescription medication to decrease inflammation and pain

To learn more about how to ease the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Ben Olsen, Ross Bartley, and Russell Grimes at Pivotal Foot & Ankle Surgeons. You can reach them the St. Joseph, Kansas City, or Independence, MO, offices by calling (816) 364-2338, so call today.