Plantar Fasciitis

25 Oct

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.