Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury in athletes, runners, and other active individuals. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot –– develops small tears. Over time, the tears become inflamed, causing persistent heel pain.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp and shooting pain in your heel. Typically, the pain caused by plantar fasciitis is worst in the morning after you wake up. You might also experience flare-ups after exercise or long periods of sitting or standing.

When should I visit a foot specialist about plantar fasciitis?

Make an appointment at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle if you regularly experience heel pain and it interferes with your ability to work or exercise. That’s especially true if the pain is severe or it prevents you from standing up or putting weight on your affected heel. 

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

Factors that may increase your risk of plantar fasciitis include:

• Being between the ages of 40-60
• Weight issues
• Participating in high-impact exercises, like long-distance running
• Flat foot
• High arches
• An abnormal gait

You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if your job requires standing for extended periods on hardwood flooring or concrete.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

The team at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle diagnoses plantar fasciitis during an in-office visit.

First, your provider asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical records. Then, they conduct a physical exam.

During the exam, your provider looks at your heel for bruising, redness, or swelling. They gently press on your heel and move your foot from side to side to test your flexibility and range of motion. If an exam doesn’t provide enough information to confirm a diagnosis, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. The team at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle might recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Walking boot, a cane, or crutches
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
• Ultrasonic tissue repair

If conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief or your symptoms worsen, your provider might recommend surgery.

To see if you can benefit from plantar fasciitis treatment, make an appointment at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle by calling the nearest office or booking online today.