This is a beautiful time of year in Nashville, filled with cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons... Perfect for all of you runners that have suffered through the summer heat! Many runners begin to clock more miles and road/trail time during this transition from summer to fall... And with that inevitably comes the occasional foot pain/discomfort. While there are a barrage of foot ailments that result from increase running/activity, one seems to be more prevalent/cumbersome than the others: Plantar Fasciitis. At the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nashville, TN Dr. Timothy W. Bush see patients with heel pain several times a day every day. This is a problem that is extremely common and many suffer needlessly.
The plantar fascia is a long, flat, and broad ligament on the bottom of the foot that spans from the heel bone (calcaneus) all the way down to the toes. It helps in supporting the arch of the foot. During activity/running, the plantar fascia is constantly and repeatedly strained, which can lead to localized swelling/inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes small tears within the fascia itself. Certain factors, such as the following, put one at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis: flat feet (pes planus), a high arched foot (pes cavus), excessive pronation, running/standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time, weight gain, improper fitting/supportive shoe gear, and a tight Achilles' tendon/calf muscle.
Once plantar fasciitis begins to flare up, it can be difficult to arrest. However, there are a number of treatment options and tools to get you back on your feet and active/pain free. Dr. Timothy Bush and present their patients with several options which include, but are not limited to steroid injections, prefabricated or custom orthotics/arch supports, assistive stretching devices, stretching exercises, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Proper shoe gear and preparation/stretching before and after activity can also be quite beneficial, if done properly. So, if you find yourself with some nagging heel pain during this season, don't waste any time coming in to see Dr. Bush at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Nashville at Saint Thomas West Hospital (www.https://www.tnfootdoc.com/patients.html). We will get you back out there, on your feet, and enjoying this beautiful weather while it lasts! Call us at 615.662.6676 or send us an online appointment request: https://www.tnfootdoc.com/appointment.html
