Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis treatment in the Harris County, TX: Willowbrook, Lakewood Forest, Jersey Village, Louetta, Klein, Hedwig Village, Cypress (Bridgeland), Memorial, Copperfield Place (Park Row), and Northwest Houston areas

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Houston (Cypress) and Houston (Memorial), TX

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. This most often occurs due to overuse, or repetitively doing activities that put excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Unsurprisingly, plantar fasciitis is a common injury among runners and other athletes. Other possible causes for plantar fasciitis include wearing unsupportive shoes and standing for prolonged periods of time. People who are obese, have flat feet, abnormally high arches, or are pregnant may be at an increased risk of developing this condition.

The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is an acute, sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. This pain may radiate to the arch of the foot, and you may also notice swelling near the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a long period of rest, such as when you get out of bed in the morning. As you walk, the pain may subside, but can reemerge after spending a long period of time on your feet. Without treatment, the pain may gradually increase over a period of several months and become chronic.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis is usually conservative and begins with resting and icing the affected foot, stretching, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing comfortable and supportive shoes. If the pain persists, your doctor may suggest padding, taping, or strapping the affected foot, wearing orthotics, a night splint, or a cast, corticosteroid injections into the foot, and physical therapy. If these treatment methods do not produce results, surgery can be considered.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar Fasciitis (FAQs)

What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. The inflammation is a natural, but often painful, response to small tears along the plantar fascia.  
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. The pain may be localized to the bottom of the heel, or it may affect the entire heel and even the arch of the foot. The pain may be dull, sharp, burning, or aching. It is usually at its worst upon first arising in the morning or when taking your first few steps after a long rest. Pain usually goes away during physical activity, but comes back afterwards. The heel may also be swollen and stiff, and the Achilles tendon may feel tight. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis symptoms can become chronic. 
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive overuse from running or other sports activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight or obese, work or exercise on hard surfaces, or stand for prolonged periods of time are at an increased risk of sustaining this injury. 
How do you treat plantar fasciitis? 
Plantar fasciitis is initially treated through conservative measures. These may include resting and icing the affected foot, doing stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes or orthotics, and taking over the counter medications to ease pain. If these treatments fail, the next steps may include padding, taping, or strapping the affected foot to support it and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, corticosteroid injections into the foot to relieve pain, or immobilizing the foot while it heals. In a small percentage of people, plantar fasciitis does not respond to conservative treatments and requires surgical intervention. 
Can you still exercise if you have plantar fasciitis?
You can still exercise if you have plantar fasciitis. In fact, exercise is encouraged. However, you should choose activities that don’t strain the plantar fascia. These may include low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga, and special foot stretches to strengthen your plantar fascia and aid your recovery. 

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