Residents of Fort Myers, FL, with heel pain, come to Dr. Brian Doerr’s office all the time. Often these patients have a clear cause for their pain. If you step into a hole or fall off a ladder, at least know how you got injured. Some patients who see Dr. Doerr have no idea why the pain started. They complain about feeling like they sprained their ankle, with no accident or misadventure to explain. In many cases, these patients are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis? You have a muscle called the plantar on the bottom of your foot. Think of the plantar like the shocks on your car. It helps the heel and toes absorb the impact of walking, just like the shocks on a car help the tires absorb the road so that you don’t have to feel every bump. Through overexertion, injury, or time, your plantar can get damaged and become inflamed. When that happens, you experience pain.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Damage to the plantar can happen to anyone, but athletes and people who work on hard surfaces are especially vulnerable. Sports put a lot of strain on the feet, and the plantar absorbs it all. Nurses are also vulnerable. Walking around on a hard hospital floor all day can wear down the plantar. Plantar fasciitis can be incredibly disruptive. For nurses, plantar fasciitis makes it painful to stay on their feet while making their rounds. Professional athletes who suffer from plantar injuries often require surgery before they can get back in the game.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

The first thing anyone suffering from heel pain in Fort Myers, FL, should do is buy orthopedic shoes or inserts. When you walk in non-orthopedic shoes, your heel absorbs a ton of force from impacting the ground. A cushion softens the blow and eases the weight on the plantar. Rolling a tennis ball under your injured foot stretches the plantar and relieves tension. Stretching is also an essential tool for pain management. Stretch your planter regularly. If you are unsure how to do that, ask Dr. Doerr for advice.

Healing You

If you’re dealing with heel pain in Fort Myers, FL, see Dr. Doerr as soon as possible. We’re located in Fort Myers, FL. Call (239) 931-3668 to schedule an appointment. Call today so we can help you get back on your feet.