Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Sunday, September 10th, 2017 Elizabeth Anthony

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting millions of people each year. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot, and when it is overstretched or strained, it can develop tiny tears that lead to moderate to severe pain and swelling.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Patients with plantar fasciitis often experience sharp heel pain, especially with the first step in the morning after getting out of bed. This is because the plantar fascia tightens overnight and when you take your first steps, the sudden pressure on the ligament causes discomfort. The pain may decrease after a few steps, but it often returns after long periods of standing or walking.

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

During your initial visit, a podiatrist will perform a thorough examination to assess your symptoms. The doctor will ask about the onset of your pain and will manually examine the heel to pinpoint the exact location of the discomfort. To determine if the issue is related to the foot’s structure or gait, the doctor may observe your walking pattern. X-rays are often taken to rule out any underlying bone issues that could be contributing to the heel pain.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

The primary goals of treatment for plantar fasciitis are to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the tiny tears in the plantar fascia.

Conservative Treatments:

  • Stretching exercises: Specific exercises can help loosen the plantar fascia and strengthen the muscles of the foot.
  • Icing: Applying ice to the heel can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and swelling.

If these treatments are not effective, additional options include:

  • Steroid injections: A local steroid injection can reduce inflammation and pain in the heel, providing relief for several weeks.
  • Physical therapy: A physical therapist may guide you through exercises and stretches to improve foot strength and flexibility.
  • Orthotic inserts: Custom foot orthotics can provide additional support and cushion to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

One additional treatment option, EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment), may be used to break up scar tissue and promote healing within the plantar fascia.

Surgical Treatment

In rare cases where conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be necessary. A plantar fascia release procedure is performed under anesthesia to take tension off the ligament. However, surgery is considered only after other treatment methods have been exhausted.

When to Seek Help

If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, it’s important to consult a licensed podiatrist. At Innovative Foot & Ankle, our doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. We have four convenient locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry, and Montclair, New Jersey. Our team, including Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Rallatos, Dr. Visperas, Dr. Gonzales, and Dr. Anthony, is dedicated to getting you back on your feet.

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