Being that April is Foot Health Awareness Month, the shoe fits to share information about a common foot health issue - plantar fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common disorder in the foot, typically starting at middle age and could get worse as adults age. The condition is typically characterized by localized tenderness in the heel or bottom of the foot where the plantar fascia is inserting into the calcaneum. A plain X-ray of the foot frequently shows calcaneal spurs - or prominence or ossification near the heel. 
Symptoms
- Plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with flat feet
- There is no visible swelling, skin changes on increased in local temperature
- Stabbing heel pain, usually worse with the first step in the morning and will lessen after some walking
Management
- Unfortunately, there is no easy or simple remedy for plantar fasciitis
- Vast majority of patients improve with conservative treatment - non-invasive treatment with the intent to preserve to normal functions of the foot
- Regular stretching to plantar fascia is recommended
- Wear soft heel insoles in your shoes
- Shock wave therapy (SWT) may be effective to eliminate pain
- Local steroid injections
- Surgery is rare and typically performed as a last resort
If you feel like you may be experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, call Prairie Lakes Podiatry at 605-886-8482 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Dr. Eric Woolley, Podiatrist