Right-hander Aaron Harang of the Philadelphia Phillies was placed on the 15-day disabled list recently after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in the left foot. Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin says that Harang has been bothered by the injury for a while: “When you stomp down on it, it started affecting his performance basically, and we as we talked (about) last night, there’s something missing with his command and that’s probably a good reason why.” Harang could potentially make starts before trade deadline if he spends the minimum amount of time on the disabled list, but plantar fasciitis injuries are known to be tough to heal fast.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Howard Hyman and Dr. Karyn Goldberg of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Our doctors can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
· Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Millburn, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
