Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot-related problem characterized by pain at the bottom of your heel. Your plantar fascia is a thick, web-like band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot. Healthy plantar fascia act as shock absorbers, but too much pressure on your feet can damage or tear these ligaments. If your plantar fascia becomes swollen or inflamed, it causes swelling, heel pain, and general stiffness. 

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis tends to develop slowly over an extended period of time. The most obvious symptom associated with plantar fasciitis is a pain in the bottom of your heel. However, some people also experience pain that spreads into the middle of their feet. 

Plantar fasciitis can affect one or both heels. Sometimes the pain is a sharp, burning sensation. Other times, it’s dull and achy. Plantar fasciitis pain is typically worse in the morning, right after you wake up. Long periods of sitting, standing or intense exercise can also make your symptoms worse. 

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages and backgrounds. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including: 

• Being middle-aged
• Having flatfeet
• Having high arches
• Being overweight

You’re also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you work a job that requires you to stand up or stay on your feet for long periods of time. For example, nurses and service industry professionals are particularly susceptible to plantar fasciitis. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry provider physically examines your foot and checks for areas of tenderness. Your doctor also evaluates the strength and overall health of your muscles by checking your reflexes, muscle tone, and coordination. If these tests don’t provide adequate information, your doctor might also order a series of X-rays. 

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Conservative methods of care like ice and heat therapy and rest are typically enough to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. However, if your symptoms persist, your Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry provider might recommend physical therapy or custom orthotics. Treatment for heel pain depends on the source and severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the providers at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry use conservative measures of care to relieve pain, including physical therapy, at-home exercises, and prescription orthotics.  The team often treats patients who have had failed treatments with other providers.

Surgery is only recommended as a last resort if your pain is negatively affecting your mobility or overall quality of life. 

If conservativethese methods of care are unable to treat your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

Downstate Foot and Ankle’s Board Certified surgeons are fully versed in all procedures for the treatment of non-resolving heel spur syndrome, including minimal incision EPF, Topaz Coblation and PRP injection

To access safe, effective treatment for your heel pain, or to discuss any of these advanced surgical procedures make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry. Call or use the online booking tool today.

To learn more about the treatment options for plantar fasciitis, call or use the online booking tool to make an appointment at Downstate Foot & Ankle Podiatry today.