PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Every year, as many as 10% of Americans seek podiatric care for heel pain caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis. Fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon David Larson, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. In many cases, the condition improves with conservative treatments. To make an appointment, call the office in Mesa or Phoenix, Arizona, or request an appointment online today.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Excessive pressure and stress on your plantar fascia — the thick band of fibrous tissue connecting your heel to the ball of your foot — can cause inflammation and lead to heel pain.

What are the signs of plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis typically go hand-in-hand. The pain often feels the most intense when you take your first steps in the morning. As you walk around more, your plantar fascia stretches out, which eases some of the pain.  In some cases, people might experience severe, stabbing pain when standing on their toes, walking barefoot, or climbing up the stairs.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia absorbs your entire body weight as you walk, stand, run, and jump — making it quite resilient. However, there are several factors that may put stress on the ligament beyond its capabilities.  Some causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• Carrying extra weight (obesity)
• Wearing shoes with poor arch support
• Tightening in calf muscles 
• Increasing physical activity

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition among adults ages 25-65. Though, teenagers and elderly individuals may also develop plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Dr. Larson performs a comprehensive physical exam to determine the cause of your plantar fasciitis. He may recommend an X-ray to look for other possible causes of heel pain, such as arthritis. With plantar fasciitis, many people have heel spurs — bony growths under their heel bone. Even though heel spurs don’t typically cause pain, they often occur alongside plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Dr. Larson develops personalized treatment plans for plantar fasciitis. Your plan may include conservative or minimally invasive measures such as:

• Foot exercises to stretch your plantar fascia
• Oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on your plantar fascia and support your foot arch
• Changing your shoes 
• Wearing a splint at night to stretch your plantar fascia

Many people improve their heel pain with non-invasive treatments. However, if you have ongoing or recurrent plantar fasciitis, Dr. Larson may recommend foot surgery, but only as a last resort.  To receive expert treatment for plantar fasciitis, call the practice of David Larson, DPM, or request an appointment online today.