Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a long band of tissue (ligament) that stretches across the bottom of your foot and attaches your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis happens when this ligament becomes irritated and inflamed.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that affects about two million people every year. Runners and people who are overweight are especially prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot near the heel is the primary symptom of plantar fasciitis. Pain is usually most intense with your first few steps after rising in the morning or after long periods of rest.

The pain may subside after the ligament stretches and warms up with a few minutes of walking. Plantar fasciitis pain is typically worse after exercise rather than during it.  

Many people with plantar fasciitis also develop heel spurs. These bony growths protrude from your heel bone and develop in response to a soft tissue injury.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia can endure great amounts of stress, but too much pressure can cause the ligament to become damaged or torn. This results in inflammation, which causes the heel pain you experience with plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed and treated?

First, your podiatrist at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center reviews your medical history and asks you to describe your symptoms. They examine your foot and may press on the plantar fascia to check for pain or tenderness.

They may also take imaging tests, like an X-ray. Although X-rays don’t show the plantar fascia, they may reveal a bone spur and rule out other possible causes of heel pain, like a fracture.

Then, the team at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center develops an individualized treatment plan for your specific condition. More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis improve with nonsurgical treatments, including:

• Resting and icing the foot
• Physical therapy exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Wearing a night splint
• Therapeutic injections

If your plantar fasciitis continues to cause pain after 12 months of conservative treatment, they may recommend surgery.

For prompt and effective treatment of plantar fasciitis, call AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, or book an appointment online today.