Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain syndrome, or Plantar Fasciitis, is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, which is a long band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. Typically the pain will improve as patients increase their walking, however, the pain commonly returns and never fully resolves.

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons individuals will visit a Podiatrist. Patients most commonly experience pain in their heel when they first get up in the morning and/or after sitting for extended periods of time.

There are many reasons that heel pain develops and can be attributed to, and yet many times patients are unable to recall a specific incidence that ignited the discomfort. Overuse, poor shoe gear, increase in weight gain, and trauma are some of the most common reasons that pain develops. Patients typically experience burning and/or a sharp pain that begins in their heel, which can radiate down the foot and even sometimes around the back of the foot.

In regards to treating heel pain, a majority of patients improve with conservative treatment; only a small percentage will go onto surgery. To start, your Podiatrist will obtain x-rays to rule out any type of abnormality such as a stress fracture and commonly a heel spur can be visualized here.

If it is determined that you have Plantar Fasciitis, typical treatment includes various stretching exercises, anti-inflammatories, shoe inserts (orthotics), physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Additionally it is important to wear supportive shoes and to modify your activities accordingly. If this fails to give any improvements, additional options include night splints, walking cast boots, and total non-weight bearing.

For those patients not responding to conservative treatment, surgery is an option, which involves releasing a portion of the Plantar Fascia. An alternative option to the surgery is a new technique called shockwave therapy. This involves applying sounds waves to the heel in an attempt to stimulate increased blood flow and healing to the site of pain. This procedure does not require an incision and is offered at our Jonesboro, Georgia location.

When To Seek Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

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 at one of our conveniently located offices.
The Podiatrists here at the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia 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.

Make An Appointment Today!

To help you get back on your feet, please call the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia to schedule an appointment today at: 404-351-5015. Or you can CLICK HERE to contact us by email. We are here and able to provide you with complete treatment for your Plantar Fasciitis condition.