Taking Care Of Your Whole Body

Taking Care Of Your Whole Body

Plantar Fasciitis Questions And Answers

by Linda Lopez

When you are unfortunate enough to develop problems with your feet, you may suffer from intense pain that makes it difficult for you to enjoy the activities you normally do. While there are many different problems that your feet may develop, plantar fasciitis is a particularly painful problem that can impact your heel and the bottom of your foot. For those that suspect they may have this condition, these two answers and questions should help them be better-informed patients. 

Is Plantar Fasciitis A Growth On The Heel?

The pain that you feel in your heel may be similar to what you experience with a heel spur, and for this reason, many patients assume that this is a type of growth on the foot. Not surprisingly, they may resist going to the doctor because they want to avoid having to undergo surgery. However, this is not actually the case. Rather, this condition is caused by damaged ligaments. While this condition can be traced to a variety of causes, it is important to note that improperly fitting shoes and being on your feet for long periods can stress this ligament. 

How Is This Painful Foot Condition Treated?

For most patients, it may be possible to treat this condition with the use of custom orthotics. These are inserts or specially made shoes that are designed to relieve the stress on your ligament. Depending on the severity of the damage to your foot, you may need to wear this orthotic for several weeks before you start to notice substantial improvements in your condition.

If the orthotics are unable to provide relief for your condition, surgery may be the only viable option. When you undergo this surgery, your doctor will need to thin or adjust the ligament to reduce the tension it is experiencing. After undergoing this procedure, you will need to stay off your feet for several days to allow the surgical site to heal. While this may be inconvenient, it may be the only way to provide you with relief from severe plantar fasciitis. 

When you are experiencing severe foot pain, it can be extremely disruptive to your life, and this is especially true if you must stand for long periods due to your work. For patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, this is especially true, but it is important to be informed about this condition to ensure you find relief from this condition. By realizing that this problem is not caused by a growth on the foot and that surgery may not be the only option for treating this condition, you can make decisions as an informed patient.


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About Me

Taking Care Of Your Whole Body

Your feet might not seem like an important part of your personal health and wellness routine, but you would be hard-pressed to work out without them. Unfortunately, many people overlook their foot health, only to end up suffering from debilitating bunions and painful ingrown toenails. A few years ago, I ignored a cut on my foot which eventually turned into a full-blown infection. After a near-amputation, I realized that I needed to start focusing on my whole body. I know that if you can start focusing on your foot health, you can avoid troubling conditions so that you can enjoy your life.