Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot-related problem characterized by chronic heel pain and immobility. The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. It acts as a bowstring, supporting your foot when you walk, run, or climb a flight of stairs. 

Over the years, your plantar fascia develops small tears due to wear-and-tear. If these tears become irritated or inflamed, it results in sharp, shooting pain and general discomfort. 

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are most prominent in the morning or following long periods of standing or physical activity.

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages, races, and genders. There are several factors that increase your risk, including:

• Being between the ages of 40-60
• Being overweight or obese
• Working a job that keeps you on your feet
• Abnormal foot mechanics, like high arches or flat feet

Certain types of exercise may also increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, particularly activities that place stress on your heel and surrounding tissues, like long-distance running, ballet, or aerobic dance.

Does plantar fasciitis require professional treatment?

Yes. If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, make an appointment with the team at Sarasota Foot Care Center right away. When left untreated, plantar fasciitis can keep you from your favorite activities. 

If you change the way you walk to relieve plantar fasciitis-related pain, it can negatively affect other parts of your body, resulting in back, neck, or leg pain.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your podiatrist at Sarasota Foot Care Center diagnoses plantar fasciitis by reviewing your medical history, asking about your lifestyle and symptoms, and physically examining your feet, heels, and ankles. 

They gently press on your heel to locate the source of your pain. Following the exam, your provider conducts a gait analysis.

If your provider suspects another problem is causing your heel pain, such as a stress fracture, they might also order digital X-rays or an ultrasound.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

At Sarasota Foot Care Center, the team treats plantar fasciitis using a conservative, holistic approach. Healthy lifestyle changes like getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet, and losing weight may provide significant relief. 

If your heel pain persists, you might benefit from:

• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Orthotics
• Shockwave therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. During surgery for plantar fasciitis, your provider detaches the plantar fascia from the heel bone. 

If plantar fasciitis is negatively affecting your mobility, schedule an appointment at Sarasota Foot Care Center today over the phone or book a consultation online.