Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the bottom of your foot connecting your heels and toes. It supports the foot’s arch and absorbs shock when you walk or move. But if tension and stress on the plantar fascia becomes too much to bear, the fascia tears and becomes inflamed, a condition called plantar fasciitis.

Runners have a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to the extra stress running puts on their feet. You can also get plantar fasciitis if you wear unsupportive shoes or you’re overweight. 

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include feeling a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel. 

The pain worsens after long periods of inactivity, so most people experience the worst plantar fasciitis pain upon getting out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis symptoms usually subside as you move around.

If you experience plantar fasciitis symptoms, call Advanced Foot & Ankle Center for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers for mild discomfort or pain. Using anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen are ideal. If the pain worsens, call Advanced Foot & Ankle Center for additional treatment options, which may include:

Orthotics

Your podiatrist may recommend custom-fit arch support orthotics. Orthotics help distribute your weight and the pressure on your feet more evenly, which can relieve plantar fasciitis pain. For your convenience, Advanced Foot & Ankle Center provides on-site casting for custom orthotics.

Physical therapy

In some situations, the Advanced Foot & Ankle Center team may refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapists can show you exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and use athletic taping techniques to better support the arch and bottom of your foot.

Splints

Night splints worn when you’re sleeping help maintain a stretched position and relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

If conservative methods don’t relieve your plantar fasciitis symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend shock wave therapy, ultrasonic tissue repair, or steroid injections. Surgery is a treatment option for patients with severe pain that doesn’t respond to other treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis surgery involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone.

You don’t have to suffer from plantar fasciitis. Call the experienced team at the nearest Advanced Foot & Ankle Center location or schedule an appointment online today.