Do you feel pain at the bottom of your foot after you step out of your bed in the morning? Does the pain feel better when you are exercising but comes back again when you have rested? You might be suffering from plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that involves inflammation of a thick band of tissues that runs across the bottom part of the foot from the heel to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis causes an intense heel pain that occurs during your first steps in the morning and decreases during the day but will mostly return when you stand for an extended period of time, or when you stand up instantly after a long time of sitting. The pain usually occurs at the bottom of the foot around the heel and arch area. The plantar fascia is shaped like a bowstring which supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking. If this bowstring experiences stress and tension all the time, it can create inflammation and/or tears in the fascia. Plantar fasciitis then occurs. This condition is a common issue among runners and those who are overweight and those wearing inappropriate shoes. The Radiology Clinic in Rockville MD provides high resolution MRI scans interpreted by fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists to diagnose plantar fasciitis.
What are the risk factors of having plantar fasciitis?
Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis. There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk in developing this condition including:
- Age. The condition is common in people aged 40 and up to 60.
- Types of exercise. There are certain activities and workout training that can put your heel on a lot of stress such as overexercising and running long distances.
- Foot mechanics. Even an abnormal or different kind of walking pattern can put stress on your foot mainly because your weight is not evenly distributed.
- Your work. If your work allows you to spend longer hours walking or standing, you are more at risk of plantar fasciitis.
Some people may choose to ignore plantar fasciitis and its pain thinking that it will go away after some time. However, if it is left untreated, it can affect your daily activities and may become a chronic condition that can lead to other problems.
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis
If you feel that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, tell your doctor about it so you can be tested for it. Your doctor may examine your foot for any tenderness and check your medical history. An MRI of the ankle and/or foot for plantar fasciitis might be recommended as it greatly helps in diagnosing the severity of the condition. Through MRI, your doctor will be able to determine if you are indeed suffering from plantar fasciitis and not from a stress fracture or other condition involving your ankle or foot. To schedule an appointment for an MRI, contact The Radiology Clinic today at 301-217-0500.
Leave A Comment