Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain affecting either one or both feet. The plantar fascia is a band of flat tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone and supports the foot's arch. If the plantar fascia becomes strained through injury or overuse, it can weaken and become inflamed. 

When this occurs, pain becomes evident within the heel or bottom of the foot, making it difficult to stand or walk. Plantar fasciitis is most common among individuals in their middle-age and people who are on their feet a lot.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Straining of the ligament that supports the foot arch (plantar fascia) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Repeated strains can lead to tiny tears throughout the ligament, causing it to swell. Straining the plantar fascia is more likely to happen if:

• You have excessive pronation of the feet, causing them to roll inward when walking
• You have high arches
• You have flat feet
• You stand, walk, or run for long periods of time
• You are overweight
• You wear shoes that don't fit properly
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for an extended period. The pain is reduced after a few steps, but it may recur as the day progresses. Pain becomes more severe when climbing stairs or standing. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Dr. Duarte checks the feet and watches you as you stand and walk. They may also ask questions involving:

• Past health concerns, including any illnesses or injuries
• The symptoms of the plantar fasciitis you are feeling
• How active you are

There may also be an X-ray done on the foot if there is a suspected issue with the bones.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms. First-line options include:

• Rest – reducing activities that cause the foot to hurt, such as running on hard surfaces

• Reducing pain and swelling – using ice intermittently on the pain, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, can reduce swelling
• Stretching – stretching several times a day, especially when waking up, can bring comfort and relief
• Get a new pair of shoes – shoes should have proper arch support and a thick, cushioned sole
• Custom orthotics

If these treatments don’t help, a podiatrist might prescribe splints to wear overnight; steroid or cortisone injections in the heel, and other medicine. 

To learn more about plantar fasciitis and the treatments available, schedule an appointment with Manhattan Orthopedics today. You can reach out by phone or online.