Plantar Fasciitis
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MetroWest Podiatry
Brian Wascavage, DPM
Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in Framingham, MA & Marlboro, MA
Around 1 in 10 people have plantar fasciitis. If you have recurrent heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, MetroWest Podiatry can help. Leading podiatrist Brian Wascavage, DPM, provides state-of-the-art treatments like extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) at two conveniently located Framingham and Marlborough, Massachusetts, offices. Click on the online scheduling link or call the office nearest you.
Planter Fasciitis Q&A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an injury of the plantar fascia — the connective tissue that links your heel bone to the long bones in the front part of your foot.
Your plantar fascia runs along your foot arch, so it withstands a great deal of stress as you walk. Repetitive stress can cause microscopic tears in this tissue, triggering severe inflammation and pain.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain, which may move into the back part of your arch. The heel pain is usually very sharp and particularly severe first thing in the morning. Your heel pain may ease during the day but returns after any long period off your feet.
The waxing and waning pain pattern occurs because the plantar fascia shortens while you're at rest. When you start moving after a long rest, you stretch the plantar fascia quickly, suddenly stretching starts your pain anew.
Who is at risk for plantar fasciitis?
Repetitive strain is the main cause of plantar fasciitis. There are a few reasons for this kind of strain, with the following factors raising your risk of plantar fasciitis the most.
Exercise
Certain types of exercise, such as distance running, inflict tremendous repetitive stress on your plantar fascia to cause plantar fasciitis.
Extra weight
When you struggle with extra weight, it causes additional stress on your plantar fascia and can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle means that your plantar fascia doesn’t get the regular stimulation needed to stay healthy. Because plantar fascia shortening is very common when you don’t move around much, plantar fasciitis can develop.
You may also be prone to plantar fasciitis if you have flat feet or if you stand for long periods.
Regular (not excessive) physical activity, avoiding prolonged standing, and maintaining a healthy weight can all go a long way towards preventing plantar fasciitis.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Plantar fasciitis treatment can include a few approaches. Dr. Wascavage may recommend a night splint, which lightly stretches your plantar fascia while you sleep.
Pain relief options can include oral anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, prescribed stretching exercises, and custom orthotics.
If you have persistent plantar fasciitis, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may help. During this type of noninvasive therapy, Dr. Wascavage administers low-level shockwaves directly to your heel.
These shockwaves stimulate your body's natural recovery response, including tissue regrowth and improved circulation to reduce your pain.
Learn more about how plantar fasciitis treatments can help you by calling MetroWest Podiatry or clicking on the online scheduling link.
