What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and plays a vital role in the way you walk, run, and move your feet. When this fibrous tissue becomes injured or inflamed, a painful condition called plantar fasciitis can occur.
Plantar fasciitis is common in active individuals — particularly avid runners — and it can develop gradually or come on suddenly.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is recurring heel pain. Most people with the condition feel a dull, achy pain in their heels when they wake up in the morning and take their first step. The pain may worsen after sitting for long periods of time.
While you may not experience pain when exercising, plantar fasciitis tends to flare up shortly after your workout is over.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
You’re at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis if you:
- Are a runner or dancer
- Are between the ages of 40 and 60
- Have flat feet or high arches
- Stand on your feet all day
- Are overweight
Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia is the most common cause of this painful condition. To prevent plantar fasciitis, it’s important to condition yourself before starting strenuous activities.
How do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?
The team at Mercer Ocean Podiatry knows that up to 90% of plantar fasciitis cases can improve significantly with conservative treatments. They use a combination of techniques that focus on rest, stretching, and support to heal the plantar fascia tissue.
If these techniques aren’t enough to relieve your pain, the team of board-certified podiatrists and ankle surgeons may recommend:
Regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and amniotic tissue injections, can help repair damage to the plantar fascia. Both PRP and amniotic tissue contain growth factors that accelerate your body’s natural healing response.
Acoustic soundwave therapy
Acoustic soundwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy, improves blood circulation to repair connective tissue damage and stimulate healing in your plantar fascia.
Minimally invasive surgery
If necessary, the team can perform a minimally invasive procedure that involves a 1 cm incision and a small camera to repair the damaged ligament.
To get relief from plantar fasciitis, call Mercer Ocean Podiatry or book an appointment online today.
