What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that connects your heel and toes, referred to as the plantar fascia, is inflamed. Your plantar fascia absorbs much of the stress and pressure your foot endures during your daily activities. If the stress and pressure are too great, tiny tears in the tissue may occur, leading first to irritation and then to inflammation and pain.
Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but it most commonly occurs in runners, people who wear shoes without proper support, and people who are overweight.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain is the telltale sign of plantar fasciitis, but you may experience other symptoms too. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Stabbing pain in your heel
- Arch pain
- Swelling on the bottom of your foot
- Pain that worsens when you’re getting up from a sitting position
- Heel pain that doesn’t improve over time
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the doctors can evaluate your foot to determine the cause. In order to formulate a diagnosis and rule out other causes, you may need diagnostic testing such as an X-ray.
What is the treatment for plantar fasciitis?
The doctors are surgical experts, but they may recommend conservative treatment to heal your plantar fascia inflammation and reduce your pain. He develops a personalized plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle.
Treatment may include:
- Stretching exercises
- Limiting exercises that aggravate your foot
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
- Icing
- Use of more supportive shoes
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Padding and taping
The doctors may also suggest orthotics, which he customizes to fit your feet and help you get the most relief.
Will I need a procedure for plantar fasciitis?
If your heel pain fails to improve after conservative treatments, the doctors may discuss other options. Special procedures for plantar fasciitis include:
Tenex Health TX™
The Tenex Health TX is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the scar tissue from your plantar fascia.
Surgery
If your pain is severe and you can’t find relief from other treatments, the doctors may conduct surgery to detach your plantar fascia from your heel. However, this surgery is very rarely necessary.
For expert care of your plantar fasciitis, call Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey, or book an appointment using the online tool.
