Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing heel pain and pain on the side of your foot. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you may be wondering when to see a doctor for treatment. Your podiatrist has the answers you need.

Dr. Mahmoud Salem and Dr. Christina Davison at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists offer a wide variety of podiatry services, including treatment of plantar fasciitis. They have two convenient office locations in Salem, and Bedford, VA, and serve residents of the Roanoke area.

How Your Foot Doctor Can Help with Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by the thick band of tissue running across your heel, known as the plantar fascia, becoming inflamed. It is a foot condition that often affects runners, however, you don’t have to be an athlete to develop it. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain in your heel and the side of your foot
• Increasing foot pain when you first put weight on your feet
• Increasing foot pain when you become active

You are at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:

• Overpronate, or roll your feet when walking
• Stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods
• Are overweight, flat-footed, or middle-aged to elderly
• Wear inappropriate, unsupportive shoes

For mild, occasional plantar fasciitis, you may be able to get relief by trying a few simple home remedies, including:

• Icing your foot and heel several times each day
• Stretching your arches several times each day
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications

So, when should you see a doctor for plantar fasciitis? You should visit a foot specialist known as a podiatrist, if you are experiencing plantar fasciitis pain which is:

• Not responding to home therapies
• Getting more frequent or severe
• Interfering with your ability to walk or stand

Your podiatrist offers several treatment options to achieve relief from plantar fasciitis pain and may recommend:

• Custom-fit orthotics and footwear
• Night splints and other assistive devices
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections into your heel
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises

Want to Know More about Plantar Fasciitis?

To find out more about plantar fasciitis and when to see a doctor, call Dr. Mahmoud Salem and Dr. Christina Davison at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists. You can reach them in the Salem and Bedford, VA, offices by calling (540) 982-0253, so call now!