Plantar Fasciitis – Relieving Heel Pain and Restoring Comfort
Overview
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
- Runners and athletes in impact sports
- People who stand for long periods (nurses, teachers, factory workers)
- Individuals with flat feet or high arches
- Those who wear unsupportive footwear or walk barefoot on hard floors
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Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetitive strain or overuse of the foot and arch.
- Tight calf muscles that limit ankle mobility.
- Sudden increase in physical activity or intensity.
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support or thin soles.
- Walking or running on hard or uneven surfaces.
- Obesity, which increases mechanical stress on the heel.
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Risk Factors:
- Age 40–60 (most common range).
- Flat feet or excessively high arches.
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing or walking.
- Poor foot mechanics or gait imbalances.
- Previous foot or ankle injuries.
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Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time if untreated.
Most common signs include:
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially during your first steps in the morning or after rest.
- Pain that improves with movement but worsens after prolonged standing or sitting.
- Tenderness and stiffness in the arch or heel.
- Difficulty spreading fingers apart or coordinating small hand movements
- Swelling or warmth along the bottom of the foot.
- Discomfort after exercise or long walks.
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The hallmark of plantar fasciitis is morning heel pain, which may ease throughout the day but returns after rest or heavy activity.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke performs a detailed evaluation to identify plantar fasciitis and rule out other causes of heel pain such as stress fractures, tendonitis, or nerve compression.
Diagnostic process includes:
Physical examination:
- Medical history and symptom review — including activity level, footwear, and occupation.
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Imaging:
- X-rays: Rule out bone spurs or fractures.
- Ultrasound or MRI: May be used for chronic cases to visualize tissue inflammation or tears.
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This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, restoring flexibility, and preventing recurrence. Most patients respond well to non-surgical care within a few weeks.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid high-impact exercises that aggravate symptoms.
- Ice therapy: Apply ice after activity to reduce inflammation.
- Supportive footwear or custom orthotics: Provide arch support and proper alignment.
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- Stretching and strengthening exercises:
- Calf and plantar fascia stretches are essential.
- Rolling a tennis ball under the arch can relieve tension.
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Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce swelling and discomfort.
Night splints: Keep the foot in a flexed position overnight to prevent morning stiffness.
- Improves flexibility and strengthens supporting muscles.
- Includes gait retraining, manual therapy, and shockwave therapy.
- Encourages long-term foot mechanics correction.
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- Platelet-rich plasma injections use your body’s own growth factors to promote healing and reduce chronic inflammation.
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Most patients improve significantly within 6–8 weeks of consistent conservative treatment.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely required, but in chronic cases where symptoms persist beyond several months of structured care, Dr. Burke may recommend a minimally invasive procedure.
Surgical options:
- Plantar Fascia Release:
- A small incision is made to release part of the fascia, relieving tension and inflammation.
- Can be performed endoscopically for quicker recovery.
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- Reserved for severe deformities or cases involving significant arch collapse.
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These procedures are designed to restore flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent future stress on the fascia.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Non-surgical: 6–8 weeks with gradual improvement.
- Surgical: 3–6 months, depending on tissue healing and rehabilitation adherence.
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Rehabilitation goals:
- Relieve inflammation and pain.
- Restore full flexibility and strength.
- Rebuild proper walking mechanics.
- Prevent recurrence through footwear correction and stretching routines.
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A structured physical therapy program plays a vital role in long-term success.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
With proper treatment and ongoing foot care, most patients fully recover from plantar fasciitis and resume normal activity.
Prevention tips:
- Wear supportive shoes with cushioned soles.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
- Stretch calves and arches regularly.
- Replace athletic shoes every 6–9 months.
- Gradually increase workout intensity.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce heel pressure.
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Early intervention helps prevent chronic heel pain and permanent tissue changes.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
- Persistent heel or arch pain lasting more than two weeks.
- Pain that interferes with walking, standing, or sleep.
- Swelling, numbness, or tingling in the foot.
- No improvement despite rest and home treatments.
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Prompt orthopedic evaluation ensures faster recovery and prevents complications.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If heel or arch pain is keeping you off your feet, professional care can help you get back to the activities you love.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for plantar fasciitis to restore comfort and mobility.
Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, our goal is to help you move confidently and live pain-free.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and heel pain treatment.
