Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain. This common condition occurs when the band of soft tissue that connects your heel to the front of your foot (plantar fascia) becomes irritated and inflamed. 

Inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to heel pain that’s typically most severe when you first get out of bed in the morning or after long periods of sitting. Walking around for a few minutes may stretch the plantar fascia and cause pain to decrease.

Who gets plantar fasciitis?

About 2 million people get plantar fasciitis every year. Although this condition can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including:

• Being overweight
• Having flat feet
• Having very high arches
• Having tight calf muscles

Certain types of exercises, such as long-distance running and ballet dancing, can also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is stabbing pain beneath your heel. The pain may also radiate toward the arch of your foot.

Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is usually worst first thing in the morning. You may also notice that plantar fasciitis pain is more intense after exercise than during it. 

Without treatment, some people with plantar fasciitis develop heel spurs. Your body develops these bony growths in response to the soft tissue injury. Even if you have a heel spur, it may not cause pain.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Graney asks you to describe your heel pain and any other symptoms you have. He reviews your medical history and carefully examines your foot. He may take an X-ray to check for a heel spur and to rule out other problems, such as a broken bone.

Then, Dr. Graney recommends a personalized treatment plan. More than 90% of the time, plantar fasciitis resolves within 10 months of nonsurgical treatment, such as:

• Decreasing activities that irritate the foot
• Icing your foot
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy 
• Custom orthotics or shoe inserts
• Night splints

Dr. Graney may also recommend stretches and strengthening exercises you can perform at home. If you continue to experience pain and symptoms of plantar fasciitis after one year of treatment, he may recommend surgery. 

To find relief from plantar fasciitis, call Madison Advanced Foot & Ankle or book an appointment online today.