Plantar fasciitis doctor near me in Juneau, AK

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed, causing pain at the bottom of the heel. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, around 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis every year. Common symptoms of an inflamed plantar fascia include:

• Stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, near the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Sharp pain after exercise
• Increased pain in the morning, or after long periods of standing

The plantar fascia is meant to absorb the shocks and strains put on the foot. When too much pressure or tension is applied to the ligament, small tears start to develop. Over time, these small tears lead to inflammation and pain in the foot.

There is no common cause of plantar fasciitis, but there are several factors that can put you at greater risk of damaging your plantar fascia. You are more at risk of developing plantar fasciitis if:

- You are an athlete. Runners, ballet dancers, and jumpers put a lot of pressure on their feet, increasing their risk of plantar fasciitis.

- You are on your feet for long periods. Occupations that require you to be on your feet for long stretches of the day (teachers and factory workers, for instance) place you at greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

- You have high arches or flat feet. Different foot mechanics can place different amounts of stress on your foot. Individuals with flat feet or high arches can put increased tension on the plantar fascia.

- You are obese. If you are overweight, you are putting extra pressure on your plantar fascia. 70% of people who see a doctor for plantar fasciitis are obese.

If left untreated, the pain caused by plantar fasciitis can interfere with your everyday life. However, nearly all patients who seek treatment for plantar fasciitis see improvement within several weeks after starting therapy.