Last month Amir Johnson of the Boston Celtics had suffered a case of plantar fasciitis, causing him to miss two practices in one weekend. Johnson had been receiving treatment for the injury for a couple of weeks. The Celtics player spent some time in a boot to be conservative and has dealt with injuries before. Brad Stevens shared, “He’s been getting (the plantar fasciitis) treated. I never know to what extent it affects each of these guys. But certainly that’s something that you just have to keep a good pulse on and treat well. A lot of these guys have little nagging things like that.”
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Alan Discont, D.P.M. of Family Foot and Ankle Care. Dr. Discont will attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
