Have you noticed pain in your heels that has been getting progressively worse over the last few months? Do you experience severe or stabbing pain when you first get out of bed? Do you see any swelling on the bottom of your heel? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from a complaint many Middlesex County patients bring to us at Feet First Foot Care Specialists: plantar fasciitis.

Why the Pain?

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. Initially, it may become irritated and then inflamed, causing both heel and arch pain. Most frequently, this condition’s cause is a defect in the structure of the foot, such as overly high arches or flat feet. But other factors can increase your risk for plantar fasciitis:

  • A job that requires standing for long hours
  • Wearing shoes with inadequate arch support
  • Working on hard, flat surfaces
  • Being overweight

What Can be Done?

If you are suffering from heel pain, don’t delay. Make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499. If our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, diagnoses plantar fasciitis, several treatment options are available to help relieve pain and correct the problem. These include:

  • Icing—this can help relieve pain and inflammation. Use an ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap in a thin towel; do not apply ice directly to your skin.
  • Medications—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
  • Avoiding going barefoot—this puts a strain on the plantar fascia.
  • Footwear modifications—choosing styles that have good arch support and a slightly raised heel.
  • Custom orthotics
  • Stretching exercises—calf muscle stretches can help ease pain in some cases.
  • Night splint—keeps the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep, decreasing morning pain.
  • Removable walking cast
  • Physical therapy

If conservative measures are not successful, the foot doctor may recommend surgery. Non-invasive measures are always the first line of treatment, however. If you believe you may have plantar fasciitis, contact us at your earliest convenience for an evaluation.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416