Has your life changed since you developed plantar fasciitis? Your Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs/Clinton, and Kensington, MD, podiatrists, Drs. Marc Goldberg, Michael Frank, and Adam Lowy, can ease your pain and help you get back on your feet again with orthotics and a variety of other treatments designed to relieve your symptoms.
Ways to relieve plantar fasciitis pain
Plantar fasciitis treatment may involve:
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce both pain and inflammation. Applying ice packs can also be helpful. If these measures aren't helpful, steroid injections may be recommended.
- Exercises and Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises ease tension in your leg and foot muscles, which can reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms. Your podiatrist in Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs/Clinton, or Kensington can show you a few exercises and may also recommend that you begin physical therapy to stretch and strengthen muscles.
- Night Splints: Night splints provided by your foot doctor hold your ankle in a neutral position while you sleep. Using the splints stretches your calf and foot muscles and helps you avoid morning pain common with plantar fasciitis.
- New Shoes: A shoe shopping trip may be in order, particularly if you run or walk for exercise. The cushioning material in running or walking shoes can become compressed in as little as three months. Although your shoes may appear to be in good condition, they may not adequately support your foot.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts called orthotics may be recommended in addition to new shoes. The inserts, designed for your foot by your podiatrist, improve the alignment of your foot when you wear shoes, offer additional support and cushioning, and absorb shock generated when your foot strikes the ground.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy involves applying low energy shockwaves to your foot with a handheld device. The therapy improves blood flow and promotes healing.
- Surgery: Surgery isn't usually needed but may be recommended if other treatments aren't effective.
Are you tired of living with plantar fasciitis pain? Schedule an appointment with the podiatrists by calling (301) 924-5044 for the Olney, MD, office, (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring office, (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs/Clinton office, or (301) 942-8110 for the Kensington office.