Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis, and how is it treated?

There are many who suffer from plantar fasciitis. This article will discuss what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, how it can be treated, and ways you might be able to prevent it in the first place.

At OrthoNeuro, we offer tailored treatment plans for plantar fasciitis. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist at one of our locations throughout Columbus, Ohio today!

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue at the bottom of the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes—called the plantar fascia. This band of tissue supports the arch of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis often results from overuse and is especially common in athletes due to repetitive strains on the tissue. Over time, the fascia becomes inflamed due to repeated tearing and stretching. Other risk factors for plantar fasciitis include having a high arch in the foot, obesity, and tight calf muscles.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis and Who Gets It?

Plantar fasciitis usually occurs as a result of overstretching or overusing the ligament. It can also be caused by small tears in the fascia tissue. There is also a possibility of having a predisposition to plantar fasciitis because of your foot structure.

Men and women between the ages of 40 and 70 who are physically active are at the highest risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Women are slightly more likely to develop the condition than men. Pregnant women may also experience bouts of plantar heel pain, especially during late pregnancy.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

At OrthoNeuro, our foot specialist will begin with a physical exam. They will check for tenderness in your foot and find the exact location of the pain. This may rule out any other possible foot problems.

You will likely be asked to flex your foot upwards while they push on the bottom of your foot. If the pain gets worse as you flex and better as you point your toe, then you may have plantar fasciitis. They will also look for mild redness or swelling.

Your foot specialist may also request imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI scan. These will help identify if there is another reason for your heel pain, such as heel spurs.

Patients with plantar fasciitis may experience the following symptoms:

Foot pain (that is often worse in the morning or at night)
Difficulty bearing weight
Pain when trying to stand up after being seated
Greater pain after (not during) exercise

At OrthoNeuro, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists have helped thousands of patients with plantar fasciitis live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical options.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

In most cases, the foot and ankle specialists at OrthoNeuro are able to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery.

Non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis can include:

Rest
Activity modification
Shoe inserts to support the arch of your foot
Night splints
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroids
Physical therapy
Immobilization (boot or cast)
Injections

Recovery from Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis pain and inflammation usually improve within a few months with non-surgical treatments. A physical therapist can help with stretching exercises to aid your recovery.

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

Making a few lifestyle changes may help you avoid chronic plantar fasciitis. Try wearing supportive shoes that support your arches. You should also replace your athletic footwear regularly. A runner should replace their shoes after 400 to 500 miles.

Low-impact exercises can help you stay healthy without putting excessive stress on your plantar fascia. Try exercises such as swimming or bicycling. Be sure to stretch your calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia before exercising.

Your doctor may recommend that you try to lose weight if you’re overweight. This will reduce pressure on your plantar fascia.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified foot and ankle specialists at one of our multiple locations throughout Greater Columbus, OH. We look forward to giving you the relief you are looking for. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Ralph J. Napolitano Jr., DPM, CWSP, FACFAS

Foot, Ankle, and Podiatry Specialists

IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.