Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. “Plantar” means the bottom of the foot; “fascia” is a type of connective tissue, and “itis” means inflammation.

Heel spurs are soft, bendable deposits of calcium that are the result of tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia attachment to the heel. Heel spurs don’t cause pain, but may be evidence that you have plantar fasciitis.

Your plantar fascia encapsulates the muscles in the sole of your feet. It supports the arch of the foot by acting as a bowstring to connect the ball of your foot to the heel.

When walking, the moment the trailing leg begins to lift off the ground, the plantar fascia endures tension that is approximately two times your body weight. This moment of tension may be increased if there is a lack of flexibility in your calf muscle. Due to the repetitive nature of walking, plantar fasciitis may be a repetitive stress disorder similar to tennis elbow.  

What causes plantar fasciitis?

You may develop plantar fasciitis for a number of reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Inadequate flexibility in the calf
• A sudden increase in activity
• Spending too much time on your feet

Being overweight or obese may also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Like the inflexibility of your calf muscle, carrying extra weight also adds stress to your plantar fascia.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your specialist at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers conducts a comprehensive examination to determine if your foot pain is due to plantar fasciitis. Your examination may include an evaluation of your foot, X-ray, and gait analysis.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment for your plantar fasciitis is individualized to meet your very specific needs. Your specialist may suggest rest, ice, and stretching to help reduce the pain in your foot. However, if at-home treatments fail to improve your plantar fasciitis, your specialist may recommend:

• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Muscle stimulants
• Ultrasound
• Theraband
• Cortisone injections
• Night splints

If the conservative treatments fail to improve your pain, surgery may be recommended. With advances in podiatric treatment, your specialist may be able to improve your plantar fasciitis using the newer minimally invasive surgeries, such as endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.

Plantar fasciitis can cause severe heel pain and may keep you from doing the things you enjoy. For an evaluation and treatment plan, call the experts at Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online today.