Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common complaints heard in orthopedic clinics, not only around Boca Raton but all across the globe. This painful and sometimes disabling foot condition affects over two million Americans every year. Because plantar fasciitis can be so painful, it can interfere with everyday activities from cooking dinner to recreation. Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis with patients experiencing pain early in the morning or when coming to a standing position after sitting for a long period of time.
Most people who have plantar fasciitis will feel pain when they poke the center of their heel with their thumb. Plantar fasciitis causes slight changes in the appearance of the foot, such as redness or swelling. Most plantar fasciitis patients will limp in an attempt to minimize their heel pain.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your Palm Beach physician will ask you questions about your pain and ask you to perform a few basic physical tests. Although imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray are not generally needed to diagnose plantar fasciitis, your doctor may require them to rule out any other condition that may be causing your symptoms.
The best treatment plan for plantar fasciitis is physical therapy, which has been reported to be more effective than anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone or ibuprofen. Physical therapy has even been shown to be more effective than surgery in many cases of plantar fasciitis.
While heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis, left to its own devices, plantar fasciitis typically heals in six months, most often taking over a year to heal.
