Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer are your go-to podiatrists at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN. We help patients of all ages improve the health of their feet and stay active. Plantar fasciitis is a common complaint at our practice, so read about how you can prevent this pain in your heel and call us for an appointment today.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Your plantar fascia is the thick band of muscle that runs along the base of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed it causes heel pain. While anyone can experience heel pain after a lot of activity or long periods of standing, it becomes a chronic problem for many patients who are obese, are avid runners, or do not wear supportive footwear. If you have any type of foot deformity (like flat feet), you are also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
The pain is typically worse when you get up and start moving, and starts to feel better as you stretch out your feet. We see many patients who continue to hobble around every morning and delay getting help, but we can treat and help prevent pain from plantar fasciitis to keep you on your feet.
How Can I Prevent Heel Pain?
To prevent extra stress on your heels, you can:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Wear supportive footwear
- Wear shoe inserts or custom orthotics with extra support for your heel
- Stretch your feet every day
- If you are an athlete or very active - talk to your podiatrist about the stretching and strengthening exercises that can help prevent injury from your favorite activities
- If you work a job that has you on your feet all day - get your podiatrist's recommendations for footwear and inserts
- Wear night splints that stretch your plantar fascia while you sleep
Anti-inflammatory medications and icing the heels can help reduce heel pain, but you may need custom orthotics or physical therapy so don't delay calling your podiatrist.
Treat Your Heel Pain Now
Reisinger Farmer Podiatry can help you if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis pain in Evansville, IN. To make an appointment with Dr. Reisinger or Dr. Farmer, contact us at (812) 421-8555.