What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or strained. This condition is particularly common in runners, athletes, and individuals who spend long hours on their feet. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide specialized care for plantar fasciitis, offering both conservative and advanced treatment options to help patients find relief from foot pain and return to their normal activities.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This tissue absorbs shock as you walk or run, but repetitive stress or overuse can cause small tears in the fascia. When these tears become inflamed, it leads to the painful condition known as plantar fasciitis.
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis is typically felt in the heel, but it can radiate along the bottom of the foot. This pain is often worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity and improves with movement but may return after prolonged standing or walking.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse or excessive stress on the plantar fascia. Several factors can contribute to the development of the condition, including:
- Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet, such as running, walking, or jumping, can strain the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and microtears.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or shock absorption can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, particularly for individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet.
- Flat Feet or High Arches: Individuals with flat feet (fallen arches) or very high arches are more prone to plantar fasciitis because these foot structures can place extra strain on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases the load on the feet and can lead to strain on the plantar fascia, making obese individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.
- Tight Calf Muscles or Achilles Tendons: Tight muscles in the calves or Achilles tendons can limit the flexibility of the foot and place additional stress on the plantar fascia.
- Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, as the plantar fascia naturally weakens and loses elasticity with age.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, which can vary in intensity and worsen after periods of rest or inactivity. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Heel Pain: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. This pain is often worse in the morning after getting out of bed or after prolonged sitting or standing.
- Pain Along the Arch: In addition to heel pain, some individuals experience discomfort along the arch of the foot, particularly after walking or running.
- Stiffness: The foot may feel stiff or tight, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
- Improved Pain with Movement: The pain associated with plantar fasciitis typically improves with movement, but it may return after prolonged standing, walking, or exercise.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing plantar fasciitis involves a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests to rule out other conditions that could cause foot pain.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will evaluate the affected foot by checking for tenderness along the plantar fascia, particularly in the heel area. They may also assess your range of motion and ask you to walk or stand to observe how your feet move.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot detect soft tissue injuries like plantar fasciitis, they may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as fractures or bone spurs.
- Ultrasound or MRI: In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to get a detailed view of the plantar fascia and surrounding soft tissues to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on reducing pain, relieving inflammation, and promoting healing of the plantar fascia. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the foot, such as running or prolonged standing, is essential to allow the plantar fascia to heal. Resting the foot and modifying your activity levels can help prevent further irritation.
- Ice and Compression: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, particularly after physical activity. Compression with an elastic bandage may also help control swelling.
- Footwear and Orthotics: Wearing shoes with proper arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption is crucial for managing plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotic inserts can help redistribute weight across the foot and provide additional support for the plantar fascia.
- Stretching Exercises: Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, and plantar fascia can improve flexibility and relieve tension on the foot. These exercises are often recommended as part of a physical therapy program.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the foot.
- Night Splints: Wearing a night splint can help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon while you sleep, reducing morning stiffness and pain.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is rarely required for plantar fasciitis but may be considered if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief after several months. Surgical options include:
- Plantar Fascia Release: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision to release part of the plantar fascia, reducing tension and relieving pain. This is typically performed on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive techniques.
- Heel Spur Removal: If a bone spur is contributing to plantar fasciitis symptoms, the surgeon may remove the spur during the procedure.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within several weeks to months with proper rest, footwear adjustments, and physical therapy.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients undergoing non-surgical treatments will typically begin stretching exercises and activity modification as soon as symptoms are identified. With consistent use of orthotics and physical therapy, most patients see improvement in their pain and mobility within a few weeks to months.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the foot may need to be immobilized for a short period to allow healing, followed by a structured physical therapy program to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the foot. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to their normal activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Plantar Fasciitis?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with plantar fasciitis, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore foot function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain from running or everyday activities, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to help you on your path to recovery.