Plantar Fascitis

Plantar Fasciitis, also commonly referred to as heel pain, is the swelling of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects your heel bone to your toes. An important distinction to make here, though, is that while heel pain may result from the inflammation of this tissue, plantar fasciitis is not heel pain in and of itself -- it is merely one of the primary causes of it.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

A number of factors may cause plantar fasciitis, but the biggest culprit is due to the construction of your feet. Individuals who are flat-footed or who have high arches are more prone to plantar fasciitis than individuals who have feet with normal arches.

Other factors that can lead to plantar fasciitis:

• Wearing improper footwear - tight-fitting footwear, or footwear without the proper support, can exacerbate existing foot-related problems.
• Medical conditions - Any disease or disorder that could affect the feet, such as arthritis, diabetes, or even obesity, can lead to plantar fasciitis.
• Daily routines - individuals who are on their feet for long hours, or individuals who take part in high-impact activities, especially without proper arch support, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain felt in your heel, upon walking, that is more intense just after waking up or after periods of inactivity
• Heel pain after extended periods of standing or “on your feet” activity
• Heel pain that builds over time, or pain that grows more intense over a period of several months
• Moderate swelling in your heel/arch area

Plantar Fasciitis Treatments

Fortunately, plantar fasciitis is easily treatable and reversible if caught early in the majority of cases. In rare cases, plantar fasciitis may require surgery -- surgery is only considered as a last resort treatment option should other options fail to alleviate the problem.
Common plantar fasciitis treatment options:

• Orthotic inserts - Custom, or even pre-packaged, inserts help to support your plantar fascia, which can help to correct any abnormalities that may be causing your heel pain.
• Orthotic shoes - Shoes that provide the necessary support for your arch may help to alleviate plantar fasciitis.
• Walking cast - If necessary, you may be given a walking cast that will help to keep pressure off of your foot, which will allow time for your plantar fascia to heal.
• Weight loss - Being overweight places undue stress upon your feet, and because obesity is one of the many factors that can increase the chances of developing plantar fasciitis, losing weight may be recommended to help you with recovery.
• Surgery - If other treatment options fail to provide relief from plantar fasciitis, surgery may be considered as a last resort.

When To Seek Treatment

If you are experiencing heel pain, especially if your pain mimics plantar fasciitis symptoms, is ongoing, or has intensified over time -- we recommend that you set an appointment with our office to see one of our specialists.

Our podiatrists specialize in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, and their underlying causes, and will assess your situation and discuss your treatment options with you so that you can get started on the path to recovery.