What Is Podiatry?
Committed to the health of your feet, podiatric medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot
and ankle problems, such as warts. Your podiatrist (doctor of podiatric medicine) is highly trained through years
of study and clinical practice, including a bachelor's degree program and four years of podiatric medical school.
Podiatrists may also have from one to three years of residency training, studying other aspects of foot care and
surgery. Podiatrists continue to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field.
In treating your feet, your podiatrist may also work with your other health care providers to give you appropriate
and comprehensive care. |
| |
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from your heel to the ball of your foot. This ban pulls on the
heel bone, raising the arch of your foot as it pushes off the ground. But if your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar
fascia may become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing plantar fasciitis.
|
| |
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot machanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia
may overstretch and swell. If your foot flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight.
|
| |
Symptoms
With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your foot may hurt when you stand, especially first thing in the morning.
Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where your heel and arch meet. Pain may lessen
after a few steps, but it comes back after rest or with prolonged movement.
|
| |
Related Problems
A heel spur is extra bone that may grow near the spot where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.
The heel spur may form in response to the plantar fascia's tug on the heel bone.
Bursitis is the
swelling of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between ligament and a bone. Bursitis may
develop if a swollen plantar fascia presses against a plantar bursa.
|
| |
|
| |
Medical History and Physical Exam
Where and when does your foot hurt? Your podiatric physician may first ask about your symptoms. Then he
or she may feel for damaged ligaments, inflamed tendons, and displaced bones or joints. Your podiatric
physician also may watch you walk to see if your symptoms are caused by incorrect foot movement.
|
| |
Testing
X-rays of your foot may be taken, or you may have a bone scan to confirm a suspected heel spur
or a stress fracture of the heel bone. |
| |
Can My Podiatrist Help?
Reducing symptoms is the podiatric physician's first goal. Then he or she works to correct the
cause of your problem. If your pain is due to poor foot mechanics, custom-made shoe inserts (orthoses)
may help. |
| |
Reduce Symptoms
To relieve mild symptoms, try aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications. Rubbing ice on the
affected area may also help.
To reduce severe pain and swelling, your podiatric physician may
prescribe pills or injections. Physical therapy, such as ultrasound, may also be recommended.
To reduce symptoms caused by poor foot mechanics, your foot may be taped. This supports the arch and
temporarily controls movement. Night splints may also help by stretching the fascia.
|
| |
Control Movement
If taping helps,
your podiatric physician may prescribe orthoses. Built from plaster casts of your feet, these inserts control
they way your foot moves. As a result, your symptoms should go away. |
| |
If Surgery Is Needed
Your podiatric physician may consider surgery if other types of treatment don't control your pain. During surgery,
the plantar fascia is cut to release tension. As you heal, fibrous tissue fills the space between the heel bone
and the plantar fascia. |
| |
What Can I Do?
You can't staff off your feet altogether, but you can reduce overuse and the risks that come with it.
Also, be sure to follow your podiatric physician's treatment plan. Take medications as directed, and wear orthoses
if you have them. |
| |
Reduce Overuse
Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain on the plantar
fascia and the possibility of overuse by following these suggestions:
- Lose any excess weight.
- Avoid running on hard or uneven ground.
- Wear shoes that support your arch.
|
| |
