TODAY’S PODIATRIST TREATS PLANTAR FASCIITIS

PLANTAR FASCIITIS is a common foot malady, and treatment options run the gamut from conservative care to surgery in some cases.

WHAT ARE ITS TELLTALE SYMPTOMS? Your podiatrist may start by explaining the basic definition of the term. “Plantar” refers to the bottom surface of your foot, while the “fascia” is a band of connective tissue. Hence, those who suffer from plantar fasciitis have an inflammation of the connective tissue from the heel to the ball of the foot. The soft tissue of the plantar fascia can stretch, or even tear, causing pain that some describe as feeling as if their feet were on fire.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES PLANTAR FASCIITIS FROM OTHER HEEL PAIN? According to Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, a podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), it lies in the anatomy of the heel. “Although the symptoms may be the same with other heel pain, the thing I always emphasize is what structure is actually injured or inflamed,” Dr. Torres-Hodges said.

CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS MAY INCLUDE: ACHILLES TENDONITIS: Repetitive stress to the large tendon that runs down the back of your ankle to your heel may result in pain that mimics plantar fasciitis.

FLATFOOT: Trauma, deterioration over time, inflammation of tendons, or muscle dysfunction can result in a loss of support for the arch of the foot. It’s correctable, but permanent damage may result if not treated in a timely manner.

TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: Compression of a nerve can lead to a tingling or burning sensation in the ankle or even in the arch of the foot. BOTTOM LINE: See a podiatrist to identify the specific cause of your heel pain.