How do you get diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis
The diagnosis is made based on your initial exam combined with your medical history. During the exam, your doctor will check for areas of tenderness in your foot. Where your pain is situated can help determine its cause.
Testing:
Usually no tests are necessary. Your doctor might suggest an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make sure your pain isn’t being caused by another problem, such as a stress fracture.
Treatment:
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover within several months with conservative treatments.
Therapies:
Stretching and strengthening exercises or use of specialized devices may provide symptom relief. These include:
Physical therapy.
A physical therapist can instruct you in a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles, which stabilize your ankle and heel.
Night splints.
A physical therapist or doctor might recommend that you wear a splint that stretches your calf and the arch of your foot while you sleep. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight and facilitates stretching.
Orthotics.
A doctor might prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.
Home remedies:
To reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, try these self-care tips:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese to minimize stress on your plantar fascia.
Choose supportive shoes.
Avoid high heels. Buy shoes with a low to moderate heel, good arch support and shock absorbency.
Don’t wear worn-out athletic shoes.
Replace your old athletic shoes before they stop supporting and cushioning your feet.
Change your excersize/sport.
Try a low-impact sport, such as swimming or bicycling, instead of running or jogging.
Apply ice.
Hold a cloth-covered ice pack over the area of pain for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day or after activity. Or try ice massage. Freeze a water-filled paper cup and roll it over the site of discomfort for about five to seven minutes. Regular ice massage can help reduce pain and inflammation.
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