What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick strip of tissue under the sole of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia supports your foot muscles and the arch of your foot, acting as a shock absorber when you walk.
Over-stretching the plantar fascia creates tiny tears in the tissue that lead to inflammation. As a result, you may also develop small, painful, bony growths on your heel called heel spurs. Some cases of plantar fasciitis are idiopathic, meaning there’s no known cause.
Who is at risk for plantar fasciitis?
According to a study published by the NIH, heel pain accounts for approximately one million visits to podiatrists and other physicians per year.
Women suffer from plantar fasciitis more than men do, probably because of high-heeled shoes that stress their feet. You’re also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you:
- Run, dance, or jump frequently
- Are overweight
- Are older
- Wear thin-soled or high-heeled shoes
- Have tight Achilles tendons or a high arch
- Have an unhealthy gait or foot position
- Work on your feet or stand for prolonged periods
How can I tell if I have plantar fasciitis?
Most men and women with plantar fasciitis describe the pain as being “stabbed” in the foot, particularly in the heel. This stabbing pain is worse upon taking the first few steps in the morning or after sitting or reclining for extended periods.
You also might feel a stabbing pain after running or other exercises. While you’re active, however, you probably have no discomfort.
How do podiatrists diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis?
Dr. Sands usually diagnoses plantar fasciitis through your symptoms and physical examination alone. If he suspects you have heel spurs or other complicating factors, he may order an X-ray or perform an in-house ultrasound study.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve in a few months with conservative treatment. Dr. Sands may recommend steps such as:
- The RICE protocol (Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
- Taping the bottom of your foot
- Wearing a night splint
- Custom-designed orthotics
If these conservative measures don’t improve your symptoms, Dr. Sands may recommend steroid injections or minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation to dull nerve pain. Dr. Sands rarely recommends surgery for plantar fasciitis.
If heel pain or foot pain is compromising your quality of life, contact Dr. Sands for a plantar fasciitis consultation. You can book an appointment online or by calling his friendly and helpful staff.
