Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia is a tough piece of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel bone to the base of your toes. The plantar fascia provides shock absorption and supports the arch. It’s also vital for walking, running, and jumping.

If the plantar fascia suffers excessive stress or stretches too far, microtears develop. The result is heel inflammation and pain, called plantar fasciitis. You’ll likely feel this pain at the bottom of your heel. It can be sudden and stabbing or increase gradually.

Plantar fasciitis pain is usually most severe during waking and taking your first steps after long rest periods. The pain might decrease after the tissue warms up but eventually comes back and can get worse.

Sometimes, plantar fasciitis causes heel spurs. After repeated stress and inflammation, these bony growths of calcium deposits build up on your heel bone.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes include:

• Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear
• Abnormal foot shape or structure
• Playing sports with repeated movements
• Standing all day
• Excess body weight
• Suddenly increasing workout intensity
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Dr. Levi diagnoses plantar fasciitis with a physical exam. He could order X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis treatment varies depending on how advanced your condition is and how bad the pain and inflammation are. If Dr. Levi diagnoses plantar fasciitis, he discusses your treatment choices so that you can agree on an effective, personalized treatment.

Typical plantar fasciitis treatments include:

• Rest
• Icing the plantar fascia
• Avoiding painful activities
• Custom-fitted orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Night splints to stretch the tissue
• Stretching exercises
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
• Taping (reduces stress and holds the plantar fascia in place)
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

In some cases, plantar fasciitis improves with rest, proper footwear, and stretching. However, without treatment, the condition may linger for months or even worsen. Early intervention with podiatric care helps reduce pain faster and lowers the risk of chronic heel problems.

How can I prevent plantar fasciitis from coming back?

Prevention focuses on reducing stress on your plantar fascia. Wearing supportive shoes, replacing worn-out footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, stretching your calves and arches, and avoiding sudden increases in physical activity can all help keep plantar fasciitis from returning.

When should I see a doctor for plantar fasciitis?

If heel pain lasts longer than two weeks, interferes with walking, or worsens despite rest and home care, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Professional diagnosis ensures your pain isn’t from another condition, such as a stress fracture or nerve issue.

Plantar fascia release surgery will be necessary in severe cases. The operation involves cutting the plantar fascia to reduce tension and relieve swelling.