Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that affects the plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. 

The plantar fascia acts like a bowstring and supports your feet when walking, running, or climbing stairs. Over the years, it experiences wear-and-tear, resulting in microscopic injuries. When these injuries become inflamed, it causes severe heel pain and mobility issues. 

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes excruciating heel pain that’s worse in the morning after you first wake up. If you have plantar fasciitis, you might also experience heel pain that’s worse after long periods of sitting or standing. 

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but several factors increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged
• Being overweight
• Participating in high-impact exercises
• Working a physically demanding job

You might also develop plantar fasciitis due to a structural problem with your foot. For example, you’re more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you have flat feet, a high arch, or an abnormal gait.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group provider reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity, when they started, and if activities like work or exercise make them worse.

If a physical exam and questionnaire aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, your provider might order additional tests like X-rays or an MRI. An X-ray can’t pinpoint plantar fasciitis, but it can rule out other potential issues like bone spurs or a hairline fracture.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Usually, the team at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group recommends conservative, at-home therapies, including:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Ice
• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

If these treatments don’t ease your symptoms, your provider might recommend surgical intervention. During surgery for plantar fasciitis, your provider detaches your plantar fascia from your heel bone. If you have bone spurs or trapped nerves, these can be removed at the same time.

To receive treatment for plantar fasciitis pain, make an appointment at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.