Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia –– a large ligament that runs from your heel to your toes, supporting the arch of your foot. 

Damage from standing and walking causes small tears in the ligament itself. These tears become irritated, resulting in severe heel pain and mobility problems.

How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis?

Most people experience heel pain at one time or another, but if your symptoms continue for two or more weeks, it’s likely plantar fasciitis. Other telltale signs include:

• Heel pain that’s worse in the morning after awakening
• Sharp, stabbing heel pain
• A tight Achilles tendon
• Swelling around your heel
• Pain in the arch of your foot

Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but it’s most common in runners, athletes, and people who spend lots of time on their feet. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provider asks about your symptoms, including when the heel pain started, if it’s worse in the morning, and if it responds to ice or activity changes.

Let them know if certain activities make the pain worse or if the pain interferes with your routine. 

Your provider examines your heel, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. They gently press on the bottom and back of your heel to identify sensitive spots and ask you to walk around the room, observing your gait (how you walk).

They might recommend an MRI exam or X-rays if they suspect your symptoms are due to another medical condition, like arthritis or bone spurs. 

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team treats plantar fasciitis using conservative, minimally invasive treatments. Your provider might suggest:

• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Getting plenty of rest
• Wearing a walking boot for a few weeks
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT), a type of shockwave therapy
• Percutaneous needle tenotomy

Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with one or several of these treatments. If your symptoms continue, you might be a candidate for surgery. 

Two surgical procedures address plantar fasciitis. Your provider might recommend making small incisions in your plantar fascia to “release” it from your heel bone, or they might lengthen your calf muscles (gastrocnemius recession).

Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona today to schedule plantar fasciitis treatment, or book your appointment online.