About this topic
Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and makes the arch of the foot. The pain is often worse: ‚
- When you first step out of bed in the morning
- After a long period of standing or sitting
- When standing on tiptoe
- When climbing stairs
- After hard activity
- When stretching your foot
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Your doctor may tape your foot to support it as it heals.
- Rest your foot as much as possible.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel on your heel. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- If you have a cast placed over your foot or ankle, ask your doctor about cast care.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your foot for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
Pain may continue even with treatment ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Stretch to warm up and cool down. This will help you move more easily.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes. Avoid walking barefoot.
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- Limit walking and standing on hard surfaces.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Pain is worse over time and after a few months of treatment ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what may help prevent pain in the future.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00149 ‚
American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine ‚
http://www.sportsmed.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Patient/Sports_Tips/ST%20Plantar%20Fasciitis%2008.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚