Heel pain is a very common problem that affects the foot. Increased stress on the foot from sports activity or improper footwear can cause heel pain.

Heel pain often affects the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the front of the foot. The plantar fascia also supports the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia takes on increased stress, it becomes inflamed. This is called plantar fasciitis.

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Plantar fasciitis is one of the main causes of heel pain. Pressure and stress on the plantar ligament can cause inflammation which contributes to heel pain.

If an inflamed plantar fascia irritates a nerve, pain can radiate into the ankle as well.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly treated by podiatrists. There are many treatment options that will be discussed during your visit. Some common treatment methods offered include physical therapy to help increase mobility, as well as corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and pain.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

There are several factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.it can be caused by repetitive strain on plantar fascia, which is the longest ligament that lies under the foot and connects the heel bone to the big toe. Factors such as:

  • Tight calf muscles.
  • Obesity.
  • Flat or high arches.
  • New or increased activity.
  • Acute and chronic osteoarthritis.
  • Tendonitis
  • Stress fractures.

These can all make you more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. This condition is also very common among runners and other athletes because running and jumping can cause stress on the plantar fascia, causing it to become inflamed and painful. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by some diseases such as reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Sign And Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

Here are some of the sign and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

  • Pain.
  • Tenderness at the bottom of your foot.
  • Tenderness usually towards heel.
  • Bony prominence known as heel spur which can continuously irritates the plantar fascia. That ultimately causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
  • Stiffness and sensitivity especially in the morning.
  • Difficult to walk on hard surfaces bare feet.
  • Sole of the foot feels warm, tender and swollen.

Pediatric Plantar Fasciitis

Children of any age can get plantar fasciitis along with other foot conditions that often affect the heel.  Around age 12 to 14 years the growth plates mature in the foot and ankle leading to pain. Injuries can occur in children due to tension in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia during this growth plate maturation phase or it can occur due to the direct impact on heel.

Treatment in children can be:

  • Taping the heel and arch to support the foot and to reduce the swelling and pain.
  • Custom shoes may be needed to support the arch and heel.
  • Stretching exercises.

Best Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

In the majority of cases of plantar fasciitis, surgery is not required to relieve patients’ symptoms. However, if a patient’s symptoms do not resolve after several months of conservative care, there are surgical options available.

Non-surgical treatment involves:

  • Choosing supportive shoes that are soft and have arches. Avoiding walking barefoot.
  • Changing old running shoes often before they irritate your feet.
  • Applying ice on your foot and sole as icing reduces inflammation, swelling, and associated pain. Using cold packs 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes.
  • Stretching your plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon to relieve stress.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment In Plano, Frisco, Allen, Mckinney, Carrolton, TX

DFW Foot and Ankle Care offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for plantar fasciitis, using the most advanced techniques available. You should see a podiatrist if you have heel pain or plantar fasciitis. Dr. Mistry works with patients to develop a plan of action that meets the patient’s individual needs. To learn more about treatment options for plantar fasciitis or schedule an appointment, contact our office at (469) 551-8595

At DFW Foot Ankle Care, we treat Bunions and Hammertoes, Diabetic Foot Care, Fungal Nails, Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis, Ingrown Toenails, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Neuroma, Pediatric Foot Problems, Plantar Wart, Running Injuries and many more foot problems.