Do the first few steps each morning feel like a nail is being driven into your heel? Do you find yourself saying "no" to friends or family in order to avoid the throbbing pain caused by standing and walking? Does sitting relieve all or most of your foot pain?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be suffering from a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that supports the arch of the foot by acting as a bowstring connecting the ball of the foot to the heel. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Causes

The plantar fascia can become inflamed and painful when it is over stretched by:

• Standing or walking for long hours on hard surfaces such as concrete or tile.

• Engaging in certain sports on a hard surface. Step aerobics, stair climbing, volleyball, and excessive running are some examples.

• Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate arch support, or that do not bend back easily at the toe portion.

• A sudden increase or change in activity.

Signs and Symptoms

The pain is usually located on the front and bottom of the heel but can cover the entire bottom area of the foot. The pain is often described as stabbing, burning, or throbbing.

The worst pain occurs with the first few steps taken in the morning. A decrease in pain occurs after five to 10 minutes of walking. 

Standing up after sitting for even a short time causes a large increase in pain. Little or no pain is experienced when sitting.

Treatment

Foot pain normally decreases by 80% to 90% immediately after the first visit. Dr. Williams is able to achieve this degree of success  because he is able to:

• protect the planter fascia from constant strain while still allowing patients to go about their daily activities.

• maintain proper alignment of the bones of the foot.

• restore strength and flexibility to the soft tissues of the leg and foot.

Regardless of how long you've been in pain or what treatments you've tried in the past you can be pain free in less time than you think.

Don't sit on the side lines any longer because of foot pain. Call our office today at 970-304-0260 and scheduling a no cost consultation with Dr. Williams. You can be walking pain-free sooner than you think.