Do You and Tiger Woods Have Something in Common?
If you’re a golfer, you may share a similar condition with PGA Tour champion, Tiger Woods. No, unfortunately it’s not his amazing swing but rather a foot disorder that we at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle often see in golfers: plantar fasciitis. In fact, if you were watching the Masters in Augusta, GA, a few weeks ago, you saw Woods withdraw from the event due to a re-aggravation of this chronic problem.
Behind the Pain
Of course, you don’t have to be a golfer to suffer with plantar fasciitis. This condition where the long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot known as the plantar fascia gets inflamed, results in extreme stabbing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning. Being on your feet for long hours daily, and an excessive amount of walking, are two risk factors and why frequently traversing a golf course does cause many golfers to end up with plantar fasciitis. Patients that participate in other types of exercise that put stress on the heel and arch of the foot, such as ballet or aerobic dance and long distance running also see an increased incidence of this disorder. Your chances of developing plantar fasciitis are further elevated if you are:
Between the ages of 40 and 60
Obese
Diagnosed with flat feet, overly high arches, or an abnormal gait.
Diagnosing and Treating Plantar Fasciitis
If you suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, you should contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales will want to examine your feet, get a medical history and learn more about the activities you participate in regularly. The foot doctor may order an x-ray or other imaging study to rule out other potential sources of heel pain.
If the podiatrist diagnoses plantar fasciitis, there are a number of conservative treatments that can be used. In addition to rest, icing the sore area and checking that your shoes have adequate arch support, the foot doctor may recommend:
Night splints—these can help keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight to decrease early morning pain.
Physical therapy—exercises and stretching can help reduce discomfort.
Orthotics—a custom orthotic device may be prescribed to redistribute the weight and pressure more evenly on your foot.
In most cases plantar fasciitis should be resolved with these measures. For more information on this or other podiatric problems that might be ruining your golf game contact us today.