Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of your plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that extends from your heel bone to your toes. Many people describe plantar fasciitis as a stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot and heel. Symptoms are usually their worst first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. Standing up after long periods of sitting can also worsen the pain of plantar fasciitis.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by tension and stress that stretches and tears the plantar fascia. There are a number of issues that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis often happens as a result of running and other high-impact exercises that put stress on the heel. 

Plantar fasciitis is common in people who are overweight or wear improper footwear. Certain foot abnormalities like flat feet or high arches can also increase your risk for the condition. Although it can affect people of any age, plantar fasciitis most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. 

When should I see a podiatrist?

If you experience heel pain that lasts longer than a few days, it’s important to seek medical care. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause you to develop chronic heel pain. Ignoring the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can lead to increased pain and complications with other structures like your hip, knee, or back. The highly experienced podiatrists at InStride Queen City Foot and Ankle Specialists work with you to develop the right treatment plan for your condition. 

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Dr. Burgess and her team use the latest advances to treat plantar fasciitis. To diagnose your condition, Dr. Burgess performs a physical exam paying close attention to the location of your pain. Depending on your condition, your treatment plan may include:

• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Orthotics
• Injections
• Shock wave therapy

The team also offers laser treatment for plantar fasciitis. The goal of laser treatment is to break up damaged tissue, allowing your body to heal and regenerate new, healthy tissue. In rare cases, severe plantar fasciitis requires surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. To find out which treatment is right for you, call InStride Queen City Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online today.