Plantar Fasciitis

Each year, millions of Americans visit the doctor to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis. At Align Foot & Ankle Center, in Camarillo, California, experienced podiatrist Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS and the team specialize in managing plantar fasciitis pain. In fact, plantar fasciitis is the most common problem that the team treats. Call the nearest office to request a plantar fasciitis consultation today, or book online. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful overuse injury that occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– becomes inflamed. Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but it’s most common in physically active people, like athletes.

Plantar fasciitis can negatively affect your mobility and quality of life, but there are various minimally invasive treatments that can ease the pain and help you feel better.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain at the bottom of your heel
• Pain that’s worse in the morning
• Pain that’s worse after exercise (but not during)
• Persistent pain for months
• Swelling and redness

As the condition worsens, you might also experience stiff Achilles tendon.

Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Unusual foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches
• Being overweight
• Working a job on your feet
• Being middle-aged

You’re also more likely to have plantar fasciitis if you play sports that put lots of stress on your heels, such as long-distance running or aerobic dance.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the team at Align Foot & Ankle Center reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam.

During the exam, your provider checks your heel for redness and bruising and presses on it to identify sensitive areas. They also ask you to stand up and walk around, observing your gait and posture.

If your provider thinks you have heel spurs or arthritis, they might also order X-rays or an MRI. These imaging procedures capture photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your lifestyle. The team at Align Foot & Ankle Center recommends conservative and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, including:

• Stretching your calf muscles
• Shoe inserts
• Icing your heels
• Cortisone (steroid) injections
• Physical therapy
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Sports medicine

If your heel pain persists or worsens, the team might recommend surgery. 

Call the nearest Align Foot & Ankle Center office to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis today, or click the online booking feature.