Do you experience stabbing pain near the heel of your foot? You may be experiencing plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the fascia. While this condition is common, it can be painful if not treated. Thankfully, at Manhattan Orthopedics, experienced orthopedic and foot and ankle surgeon Guillermo Duarte, MD, treats plantar fasciitis with noninvasive treatments. To make an appointment in Midtown Manhattan, Astoria, or Brooklyn in New York City, call the nearest office or book online today.
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.
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:
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.
Dr. Duarte checks the feet and watches you as you stand and walk. They may also ask questions involving:
There may also be an X-ray done on the foot if there is a suspected issue with the bones.
Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms. First-line options include:
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.