Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases of heel pain are caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the tissues in the bottom of your foot. If you suffer from heel pain, our foot health experts at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney can determine the most effective treatment for you. Led by board-certified podiatrists, our practice uses the latest advances to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This group of fibrous ligaments connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. Your plantar fascia is responsible for providing support and stability to the arch of your foot and helps you feel less pain in your feet by acting as a shock absorber when you walk or run. When the plantar fascia experiences too much stress or tension, small micro-tears can develop and lead to a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
Repeated overstretching and tearing of the plantar fascia will result in symptoms of pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can cause a sharp, stabbing heel pain that is often triggered by long periods of sitting, standing, or walking. Some patients have reported experiencing a burning sensation or tingling along the heel and arch of the foot.
People with plantar fasciitis frequently experience pain first thing in the morning after getting out of bed or after a long period of standing or walking. The pain may also worsen after certain activities, such as running or climbing stairs.
Who Is At Risk For Plantar Fasciitis?
A number of factors can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including:
- Age- Plantar fasciitis most commonly affects people around the ages of forty to sixty due to the natural wear on the body.
- Obesity- Excess body weight will put extra stress on the plantar fascia.
- Foot structure- People with flat feet or high arches are at a higher risk.
- If you are an athlete or have an active lifestyle- Many athletes and runners tend to develop plantar fasciitis, especially people who frequently run or play sports like soccer. Repetitive movements on the foot can cause the plantar fascia to become worn down and develop tears.
Preventing plantar fasciitis can be difficult, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include wearing supportive shoes that fit properly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that involve repetitive foot movements.
In some cases, plantar fasciitis has developed with no clear cause, which is why it is important to see one of our specialists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney to ensure a proper diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan for your heel pain.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Before beginning treatment, your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Then a physical exam will take place to check the bottom of the foot for redness, tenderness, and swelling. Additionally, your podiatrist will observe what movements cause you pain or discomfort.
Additional tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, will be recommended to rule out other conditions and determine the underlying cause of the heel pain. If the underlying problem is found to be a bone spur, then surgery is the only option.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest technology for imaging tests to allow your podiatrist an accurate visualization of the inflamed tissue involved in the plantar fasciitis and to see the extent of the damage to your plantar fascia. After your examination, your doctor will work with you to develop the right treatment plan for pain relief from your plantar fasciitis.
What Treatments Are Available For Plantar Fasciitis?
Depending on your condition, treatment for plantar fasciitis may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Resting and icing your foot
- Arch supports for your shoes
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Physical therapy
- Completing daily stretching exercises
- Cortisone injections
- Night splints
- Orthotics
The goal of treatment is to relieve your pain and prevent your plantar fascia from overstretching. In severe cases, surgery may be required to release the plantar fascia from the heel bone. If the underlying problem is found to be a bone spur, then surgery is the only option.