When you are suffering from heel pain, one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis. About two million people are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis every year. In Pismo Beach & Santa Maria, CA, Dr. Brian O’Carroll and Dr. Byron Collier of Five Cities Foot and Ankle offer the treatment you need to help you with plantar fasciitis. 

The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligaments that runs along the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel. It supports the arch at the bottom of your foot. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes pain and can affect your ability to walk. Many things can irritate the plantar fascia such as wearing the wrong shoes for the activity that you are doing, placing stress on this ligament because of your activity, or being overweight. 

Home treatment

Treatment for your plantar fasciitis in Pismo Beach & Santa Maria, CA will most likely begin at home. The first thing you can do is to get off your feet and get some ice on your feet. This will bring some temporary relief, but basically you are going to seriously consider what you are doing to cause it. If you work in a job that causes you to stand on your feet for long periods of time, you should take a good look at what shoes you are wearing and the support they provide. Adding an insert to your shoe may provide some relief. 

Exercises can help with the pain in your foot. If you visit your podiatrist, they will provide some exercises for you to do at home and may suggest that you have some visits with a physical therapist. 

Podiatrist treatments

Your podiatrist will try exercise to see if it provides pain relief. Shoe suggestions are also made to help you to get the support you need to keep this condition from being a constant issue. Custom orthotics provide the support your feet require. Not only do they last longer, but they are created to fit your particular feet and not made to fit everyone. They provide personalized support for your feet and can help in the long term. 

If plantar fasciitis is affecting the quality of your life, and you need pain relief, your podiatrist may suggest cortisone injections. These provide pain relief and last up to six months. Combined with exercise, they can provide long-lasting relief. 

When plantar fasciitis in Pismo Beach & Santa Maria, CA makes your life challenging, Dr. O’Carroll and Dr. Collier of Five Cities Foot and Ankle offer the treatment you require. Call the Pismo Beach Office at (805) 481-9100 and Santa Maria Office at (805) 481-9100 to schedule an appointment.