Modern Foot & Ankle offers comprehensive care for patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can improve mobility and alleviate discomfort for patients with plantar fasciitis. This guide will help you understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for plantar fasciitis and how our expert team of podiatrists can provide personalized care to manage this condition.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an injury or overuse syndrome involving the plantar fascia ligament in the arch of the foot that runs from the ball of the foot to the bottom of the heel. This band of tissue is protective to the deep structures of the foot and is not a primary stabilizer of the archway.
One could get plantar fasciitis through overuse or strain of the bottom of the foot. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are characterized as sharp with the first few steps in the morning and also in the evening after increased activities or with temporary pain relief as it is “warmed up” during light walking and massage.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition is prevalent among athletes and individuals who are on their feet for extended periods.
Causes of plantar fasciitis include:
Over-activity
Flat feet or fallen arches
Heredity
Obesity
Overuse
Poorly-fitted shoes
Trauma or fracture
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Patients with plantar fasciitis may experience the following symptoms:
Stabbing or shooting pain at or around the heel bone
Pain during the first step in the morning or after long periods of rest
Pain in the heel or arch with increased activity
Pain when walking
Swelling
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Although some instances of chronic plantar fasciitis may need surgical care, conservative plantar fasciitis treatment seems to be the best route to treat patients with plantar fasciitis.
About 70% of the patients in our office will have immediate relief with injection therapy, and permanent relief from both heel and arch pain with custom molded orthotics.
Crutches and non-weight bearing on the affected foot pain for 1 to 3 weeks is the best care for this kind of overuse syndrome or injury, but a simple decrease in activities may relieve symptoms. Avoid bare feet and shoes without support (**sandals**, flip-flops, house shoes, etc.).
Stretching
Stretching in the morning and evening using the proper technique will speed recovery and minimize re-injury. Stretches for plantar fasciitis are essential.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication can help with chronic pain associated to avoid plantar fasciitis pain, but is not much help with the acute pain.
Injection
An anesthetic (numbing agent) mixed with cortisone (anti-inflammatory) is placed at the point of pain to relieve the sharp pain associated with the first few steps in the morning, or with pain at night after increased activities.
Arch Support
Temporary arch supports, supportive athletic shoes, or a higher heel on a shoe will all provide additional rest to the injured ligament. Custom molded orthotics are the best solution for immediate and longer-term treatment.
Night Splints
A night splint is a device that keeps a constant tension on the ligament while it is healing by keeping the foot at a 90-degree angle to the lower leg and can be beneficial to the healing process of plantar fasciitis.
Physical Therapy
Examples of physical therapy that can assist with plantar fasciitis include massage, cold therapy, contrast baths, stretching, ultrasound, and electric stimulation.
Surgical Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Surgical procedures have a high success rate and are usually performed in a small procedure room or outpatient surgical center under light anesthesia.
Several effective procedures exist, but releasing the plantar fascia ligament near the heel with or without removing an existing heel spurs will essentially lengthen the ligament and provide permanent relief.
The incision is minimal (1cm to ½ inch) at the inside of the heel, and sutures are removed after 2 weeks. The procedures are relatively short, and the postoperative period averages 1-2 weeks with partial weight bearing with or without a cam walker – postoperative shoe.
Insurance Coverage for Plantar Fasciitis
Many insurance plans cover treatments for Plantar Fasciitis if they're medically necessary, which means your podiatrist has recommended them to treat this foot condition or improve your foot function. However, coverage varies. Some plans may not cover certain treatments or may only cover part of the cost.
Before starting your treatment for Plantar Fasciitis, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider. Ask about your coverage and any costs you might have to pay.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we're here to help. We're proud to be in-network with all major insurance plans, which can make the process smoother and more affordable for you. Our team can assist you in understanding your coverage and guide you through the process. We're committed to providing you with personalized care, including treatments designed to alleviate your pain and improve your foot health.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care for a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Our team of skilled podiatrists and surgeons utilize the latest techniques and technology to deliver effective treatments that reduce pain, improve function, and restore mobility.
When you choose Modern Foot & Ankle for your plantar fasciitis care, you can expect:
Personalized Treatment Plans - We work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that caters to their unique needs and goals.
Advanced Techniques and Technology - Our team employs widely accepted techniques and technology to provide safe, efficient treatments for plantar fasciitis.
Compassionate Care - We understand that dealing with plantar fasciitis pain can be stressful and overwhelming, and we are committed to offering compassionate care and support throughout your treatment journey.
Experienced Specialists - Our team of podiatric specialists has extensive experience in managing plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle conditions.
Convenient Locations - With multiple locations across the region, we make it easy to access high-quality care close to home.
Don't let plantar fasciitis pain prevent you from enjoying your daily activities. Contact Modern Foot & Ankle today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our plantar fasciitis care options.
In Summary
Plantar fasciitis, a common source of chronic heel pain, is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. Symptoms typically include sharp pain in the heel or the arch of the foot, particularly noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis varies, encompassing everything from stretching exercises and the use of supportive shoes to physical therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Key to recovery is addressing the underlying causes, such as stress fracture on the heel bone, tight calf muscles, or an overly strained Achilles tendon.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we offer a comprehensive range of services to treat plantar fasciitis, leveraging everything from custom orthotics and night splints to advanced therapies like extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
With a focus on personalized care and advanced treatment options, we are dedicated to helping our patients plantar fasciitis recover and return to a pain-free lifestyle.
The information on our website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health-related concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please note that any reliance on the information found on our site is solely at your own risk. For more details, please see our Medical Disclaimer.
FAQs
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The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is with rest, orthotic supports, stretching, and ice. Anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, ‘night splints’, or a walking boot are also options for more severe cases, and when warranted, surgery has a good outcome as well.
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Yes, most plantar fasciitis cases go away on their own. This problem is in fact a type of ‘overuse’ syndrome and/or injury.
What is the main cause of plantar fasciitis?
The main cause of plantar fasciitis is an acute injury or overuse syndrome. Contributing factors are unsupportive shoe gear (**sandals**, flip-flops, bare feet, etc.), overpronation, and prolonged periods of time standing on hard surfaces like concrete.
What can a podiatrist do for plantar fasciitis?
Most podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis conservatively with rest, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, arch supports/orthotics, night splints, or a walking boot with or without crutches. Most podiatrists are trained to perform the simple surgical treatment as well, but usually only when conservative treatment fails.
Should I take time off work for plantar fasciitis?
Since rest and proper arch support are the best treatment modalities, sitting or desk duties are preferred for patients with plantar fasciitis. Patients should take 1 to 3 weeks off work if prolonged standing, walking, climbing stairs, or heavy lifting and exertion are their main duties.
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