Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel pain, often disrupting daily activities and overall comfort. At Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer provide specialized care, diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis to help restore patients' mobility and ease their pain.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs from the heel bone to the toes. It often causes stabbing heel pain that is worst with the first steps of the day or after a long period of sitting. Overuse, flat feet, poor shoes, or weight gain may be the reasons behind the stress on the plantar fascia.

Conservative Treatments That Work

Most patients find relief from plantar fasciitis with non-surgical, conservative measures. Stretching and strengthening exercises relieve tension and build supportive muscles. A change to supportive shoes, combined with custom orthotics, evenly distributes pressure throughout the foot, thereby decreasing stress on the plantar fascia. Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain and swelling. Night splints or taping can also be prescribed to hold the foot in position while resting. In-office procedures, such as corticosteroid injections, can bring immediate relief to the inflamed area in some instances.

When to Consider Advanced Care

Although most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with conservative treatment, persistent symptoms that do not resolve may require more advanced intervention. At Reisinger Farmer Podiatry, additional therapies, such as advanced orthotics or surgical consultations, may be recommended for these cases. Early treatment can often prevent the necessity of progressing to surgical options, which is why it is important to have symptoms checked early with specialty care.

If heel pain is affecting your daily life, consider seeking professional guidance. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Charlotte Reisinger or Dr. Dusky Farmer at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN. Call (812) 421-8555 to get personalized care that can help you return to comfortable, pain-free walking.