What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The long, flat ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heels to your toes is called the plantar fascia. Inflammation of this ligament is known as plantar fasciitis. This ligament supports the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia is inflamed, weak, swollen, or torn, it can cause pain in the foot and heel, particularly when there is tension or stress. Plantar fasciitis pain is often felt while walking or running, as pressure increases when you push off of your toes and the ball of your foot. Some people feel the worst plantar fasciitis pain when they stand after a period of being sedentary, such as when getting up in the morning. When plantar fasciitis pain persists, it can become a chronic condition that requires surgical intervention.
What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?
Heel pain is the most pervasive symptom of plantar fasciitis. Some of the characteristics of heel pain specific to plantar fasciitis are:
- Swollen, tender heel
- Increased heel pain after sitting for a long period or when you wake up in the morning
- Heel pain that worsens after exercise (not during)
- Heel pain that persists for months
- A tight Achilles tendon
What Are the Treatment Options For Plantar Fasciitis?
Stretching: The correct stretches and strengthening exercises can alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis. The wrong stretches can make pain worse. Speak to your podiatrist and try these plantar fasciitis stretches to relieve your pain.
Physical Therapy: Your podiatrist can design a physical therapy treatment protocol to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Orthotics: Quality, custom orthotics are one of the favored, more conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis. They work by supporting your arch, facilitating proper foot mechanics, and cushioning your painful heel.
Splinting: A night splint can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain by holding your foot in a gentle stretch while you sleep.
Injections: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and Bone Marrow Concentrate can help trigger the natural healing process of the injured plantar fascia ligament and reduce pain. Learn more about injection treatment for plantar fasciitis here.
Microsurgery: Minimally invasive microsurgery options such as TENEX, TOPAZ, and endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF) can heal plantar fasciitis by increasing blood flow, breaking up scar tissue, and releasing the plantar fascia. Learn more about microsurgery for plantar fasciitis here.
Options For Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief In NYC
Find relief from your plantar fasciitis pain with non and minimally invasive treatment options from your podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis is a chronic condition, but there are numerous ways to relieve the associated heel pain and an informed maintenance strategy can prevent recurrence and help you remain pain free. Explore your options for heel pain relief at To Healthy Feet today.
The team of foot doctors at To Healthy Feet in Manhattan can expertly assess your heel pain, diagnose plantar fasciitis, determine if you have high arches, and develop a personalized treatment strategy based on the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals for treatment. We provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive foot and ankle care and have the tools and technologies necessary to provide a variety of tailored treatment approaches including regenerative medicine, conservative interventions, and even minimally invasive surgery (when needed) at each of our Manhattan Podiatry Clinics. If you are experiencing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or any other foot or ankle condition pain, call To Healthy Feet Podiatry at 1-917-398-3668 or fill out the contact form to book your appointment at our Upper East Side, Times Square, Midtown Grand Central, or Downtown Wall Street locations today.
FAQ
Q: Can I treat plantar fasciitis by myself?
A: It is best to go see a podiatrist, even if you think your case is minor. You can, however, do some things to reduce heel pain including wearing more supportive shoes, stretching your arches, and frequent ice treatment to the affected area.
Q: How long does it take to heal from plantar fasciitis microsurgery?
A: For TENEX, TOPAZ Coblation Therapy, or EPF, there will be a 1 week recovery period that will require a walking boot. After this, normal activity can resume.
Q: Why does my plantar fasciitis seem to flare up in the morning?
A: When your foot is in a relaxed position while you sleep, it causes the tissues of the plantar fascia to contract and when you wake up and take those first steps the tissue stretches and this causes the pain you feel.
