Plantar Fasciitis - Common Disorders

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused from inflammation in the plantar fascia. This fascia extends from the heel all the way to the toes. This results in heel pain that can be quite painful and in some cases debilitating.

Symptoms: Most pain associated from plantar fasciitis is usually in the heel or arch. This pain can range from a dull ache to a burning pain that is experienced after long periods of standing or first thing in the morning we the patient takes their first few steps. This condition is easily diagnosed by your podiatric physician here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle upon physical exam and in some cases imaging scans such as x-rays may be taken to rule out stress fractures and evaluate the foot for heel spurs.

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is poor mechanics of the foot. Usually people associated with this condition usually have either a collapsed or high arch. This condition however has been associated with long periods of weight bearing on hard flat surfaces, wearing footwear that is non-supportive, weight gain or being over weight, shoes that are worn out, and tight calf muscles (Achilles Tendon).

Treatment

There are many ways to treat plantar fasciitis. One being rest and limiting your time you spend on your feet and avoid going barefoot. Also, icing the bottom of your feet around the heel in conjunction with anti-inflammatories (aleve, motrin, advil,) to alleviate any pain and swelling. Stretching exercises from physical therapy or from your podiatric physician can also be prescribed to help provide pain relief. Wearing appropriate supportive shoes can support the plantar fascia and reduce stress to it. Custom orthotics or inserts can also be used to support the plantar fascia and help your foot correct its mechanical faults leading to the development of plantar fasciitis. Injection therapy with a series of steroid injections has also been used to reduce pain and swelling associated with this condition. ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) has been used in many cases with great success. This device generate pulses of high-pressure sound that travel through the skin. This causes the damaged soft tissue to heal back stronger. However, if these treatments fail and pain still persists surgical treatment maybe necessary. If you feel like you have plantar fasciitis or have been suffering from the condition make an appointment with your local podiatric physician here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle where we will be happy to evaluate any problems associated with your feet and discuss treatment options with you.