What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury characterized by persistent heel pain. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from your toes to your heel –– develops small tears due to general wear-and-tear. Over time, the tears become irritated, causing pain and sensitivity.

Plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages, but it’s most common in athletes. Fortunately, with intervention and treatment, it’s possible to achieve lasting relief.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Heel pain
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• A tight Achilles tendon
• Pain that’s worse after exercising

If you have plantar fasciitis, you might also experience severe heel pain when you first wake up in the morning.

When should I see a foot and ankle surgeon about plantar fasciitis?

Make an appointment with Dr. Shelton at Alpine Foot & Ankle if you experience heel pain that lasts for more than a week or two. That’s especially true if your symptoms don’t improve with ice, rest, or anti-inflammatory medication.

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

A wide range of factors may increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Being between the ages of 40 and 60
• Doing exercises that place stress on your heel
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Being overweight

You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if your job requires you to stand up or walk around on hard surfaces all day.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Dr. Shelton diagnoses plantar fasciitis during an in-office visit.

He reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the heel pain started, if it’s worse during certain activities, and if it responds to rest or ice. Next, Dr. Shelton examines your foot and heel, looking for redness, swelling, or bruising.

Dr. Shelton presses on your heel to pinpoint sensitive areas. He might also order X-rays or a CT scan to rule out problems that present similar symptoms, like heel spurs or fractures.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on several factors, including your age and the severity of your symptoms. Alpine Foot & Ankle boasts a 90% treatment success rate. Depending on your needs, Dr. Shelton might recommend:

• Ice
• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Night splint
• Walking boot, cane, or crutches

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, Dr. Shelton might recommend surgery and offers the latest surgical treatment options available.

To receive treatment for plantar fasciitis, make an appointment at Alpine Foot & Ankle by calling the nearest office or booking online today.