Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Soldotna, AK, Residents

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot that provides arch support and shock absorption. 10% of the population develops the condition at least once throughout their life, making it an extremely common condition.

How Does It Affect Soldotna, Alaska, Residents?

With a large portion of the Soldotna population working in the oil, gas, mining, and commercial fishing industries, residents are accustomed to spending long hours on their feet. As a result, one of the most common concerns for patients is foot pain stemming from plantar fasciitis. However, many skip the doctor’s appointment in hopes that the pain goes away on its own. Although in some cases it does, when left untreated, the pain usually comes back.

Causes

The plantar fascia is a fibrous connective tissue band that connects the heel to the toes. When standing for too long or overstretching the foot, this band can get inflamed, which in turn makes it painful to walk or arch your foot. Most patients report experiencing pain in one foot at a time, although it is possible to have both feet affected at the same time. Among common causes are:

• Being on your feet all day at work.
• Playing sports.
• Exercising on a hard surface.
• Lack of warm-up when exercising.
• Wearing non-supportive footwear.

Conversely, some conditions may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis:

• High-arched feet (pes cavus)
• Flat feet
• Obesity

Symptoms

Sufferers of plantar fasciitis report feeling:

• Pain in their heels, especially in the morning.
• Pain in the arch of the foot, especially when arching them.
• Stiffness.
• Swelling in the area.
• A sharp or stabbing pain when using the foot.

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis should not self-diagnose. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should book a consultation with a healthcare provider. During your appointment, they will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and assess your foot. Make a note of when you feel pain so that you don’t forget to mention exactly when and how it feels throughout your day.

Additionally, your provider may order some tests, like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs.

Orthotics

Orthotics are devices designed to provide better support and stability for your feet. Similar to shoe inserts or insoles, these foot pads are also placed inside your shoes. Dr. Brian Larson offers personalized orthotics consultations to design pads that are uniquely developed for you.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapist, Dr. Ian Ques, offers personalized treatment plans specifically adapted to treat your plantar fasciitis—harnessing the power of manual therapies and technology.

Massage Therapy

Massages help release tension in tissues. By performing a deep friction massage, normal flexibility is restored and the tightness around the area is loosened. Our licensed massage therapist Lenaya Braniff offers deep tissue massages that stimulate circulation and relieve pressure on the foot to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms.