Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused from inflammation in the plantar fascia. This fascia extends from the heel all the way to the toes. This results in heel pain that can be quite painful and in some cases debilitating.

Symptoms: Most pain associated from plantar fasciitis is usually in the heel or arch. This pain can range from a dull ache to a burning pain that is experienced after long periods of standing or first thing in the morning we the patient takes their first few steps. This condition is easily diagnosed by your podiatric physician here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle upon physical exam and in some cases imaging scans such as x-rays may be taken to rule out stress fractures and evaluate the foot for heel spurs.

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is poor mechanics of the foot. Usually people associated with this condition usually have either a collapsed or high arch. This condition however has been associated with long periods of weight bearing on hard flat surfaces, wearing footwear that is non-supportive, weight gain or being over weight, shoes that are worn out, and tight calf muscles (Achilles Tendon).

Treatment

There are many ways to treat the conditions of the Achilles tendon that include:

(Seeing a doctor to make the correct diagnosis for your condition)

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

• Refraining and resting from the aggravating activity

• Cold therapy

• Wearing a heel lift to take the strain off the Achilles tendon

• Wearing the appropriate shoes for your foot type and athletic activity

• Using anti-inflammatories recommended or prescribed from your doctor

• Changing your training methods

• The use of custom molded orthotics

• Taping and strapping

• Going to prescribed physicaltherapy

• and even steroid injection therapy

If the pain of the achilles tendon persists from the above conditions a scan with an MRI and surgery will be recommended especially if all conservative treatments have failed or there is a rupture.

If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis pain please visit any of our five locations, Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Claxton, or Bluffton and speak with our podiatrists to create a treatment plan perfectly suited to you and your needs.