Plantar fasciitis, is a common foot ailment that can affect just about anyone. This condition can be quite weakening, preventing you from carrying out your daily activities. A major symptom of this ailment is heel pain.
As such, if you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, you should consider booking an appointment with a podiatrist. This could be the key to finding not just the cause but relief as well.
Primarily, this article explores what plantar fasciitis is and how a Salt Lake City podiatrist diagnoses and treats plantar fasciitis.
What Exactly is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia. A thick band of tissue, the plantar fascia is what connects the heel bone to the toes. This inflammation can result in stabbing pain, typically concentrated around the heel.
A plantar fasciitis patient will typically experience pain during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. While plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, certain factors can increase the risk of this condition.
Some of these factors include age, obesity, and prolonged periods of standing or walking.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis by a Salt Lake City Podiatrist
Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. A podiatrist in Salt Lake City has the training to conduct a thorough examination of your foot. While doing this, they take into account your medical history and symptoms.
They may perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness in specific foot areas and assessing your range of motion.
Additionally, a podiatrist may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasound. This is to rule out other potential causes of heel pain, such as fractures or heel spurs.
Once the diagnosis is established, the podiatrist will then craft a personalized treatment plan.
How Do You Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
The treatment of plantar fasciitis is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The nature of the foot problem determines the most suitable treatment approach a podiatrist will apply.
Some of the common treatment approaches you can expect from a foot doctor in Salt Lake City are:
#1. Conservative Measures
There are different conservative measures, including:
- Physical Therapy:
A podiatrist may recommend specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in your foot. This helps to ease pressure on the plantar fascia.
- Orthotic Devices:
Customized orthotic inserts can provide additional support and correct any structural imbalances in your foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
- Footwear Recommendations:
Wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning is crucial in managing plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can offer guidance on choosing appropriate footwear for your specific condition.
#2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
A podiatrist may recommend Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the pain and inflammation. Your podiatrist will assess your medical history and consider potential side effects before prescribing medication.
#3. Corticosteroid Injections
In cases of severe pain and inflammation, a podiatrist can administer corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area. This can provide quick relief, but it’s usually considered a short-term solution due to potential side effects.
#4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected tissue. This treatment option is typically considered for cases that haven’t responded well to other conservative measures.
#5. Surgical Intervention
Surgery is typically the last option when treating plantar fasciitis. A foot doctor would resort to it only in cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. A podiatrist in Salt Lake City can discuss surgical options, such as plantar fascia release, with you if necessary.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be a persistent and uncomfortable condition. However, with the expertise of a podiatrist in Salt Lake City, relief is within reach. They’re well-versed in the unique challenges posed by the local environment.