Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When this band gets inflamed, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis.  

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot, usually in the heel.

You may feel it most acutely when you take your first steps out of bed in the morning, and when you get up after sitting for a period of time. You may also feel the pain after running or exercising.

Runners are highly susceptible to plantar fasciitis, as well as overweight people and those who wear shoes with inadequate support (such as flip-flops). Workers who spend a majority of their day on their feet are also at risk for developing this condition.

How do you treat plantar fasciitis?

If diagnosed early, you can treat plantar fasciitis through rest, icing, and stretching. Your podiatrist at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle provides you with suggested stretching exercises to do at home.

You may also find relief by taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.  

If the pain continues after a few weeks, you may need:

Physical therapy

Your podiatrist oversees targeted exercises to stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles to help stabilize your ankle and heel, and uses sound wave technology to relieve pain.

Night splint

This is when a device stretches your calf and arch while you sleep to lengthen it and relieve pressure.

Orthotics

Either a custom or store-bought insert provides arch and/or heel support to help distribute your weight evenly.

If these treatments don’t provide relief over time, you may need a steroid injection, which reduces inflammation in the area.

In rare cases, a surgical procedure is needed to detach the plantar fascia from the heel.

The professionals at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle always take a conservative approach to treatment, starting with a non-surgical approach to care. Surgery is always the last option, and only when other treatments have failed.

Residents of Avondale, Arizona, who experience the pain of plantar fasciitis daily should seek relief at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle. The experienced team of podiatrists gets you back on your feet quickly and safely. Call or schedule a consultation online today.