The plantar fascia is a ligament that is long and thin. It is located on the bottom of the foot and helps to create the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia goes from the heel bone, splits, and then goes to the toes. When a patient suffers from plantar fasciitis, it means that there is inflammation present. This is often caused by overuse or overstretching. The pain will be present at the bottom of the foot and the heel. This condition can occur in both feet at the same time, often because the patient stands for long periods. It is most often seen in active males between the ages of 40 and 70.
Heel Pain and Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
When the plantar fascia is irritated or strained, it may be caused by the following:
- Sudden weight gain
- Obesity
- Having a tight Achilles tendon
- Low or high foot arch
- Wearing improper shoes (soles are too soft, do not fit well, or do not provide enough arch support)
- Increasing the intensity of an activity
- Starting a new activity
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Patients often complain of stiffness and pain in the heel and foot when diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Pain from plantar fasciitis intensifies with the following:
- After exercising
- Walking after standing or sitting for a long period
- Stepping out of bed in the morning
- Climbing the stairs
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis in Arlington
Your overall health is important and you should have any injury examined as soon as possible by our doctors in Virginia. Doctors will help treat your condition in the best methods available. Patients suffering from plantar fasciitis will need to go through the following checks in a physical examination:
- Monitor how the patient moves
- Looking at how the patient stands
- Looking for high arches
- Examination of the foot to find redness, swelling, or soreness to the touch
- X-rays if a fracture or heel spur is suspected to be present
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Suffering a sports injury is never easy. The ability to conduct normal everyday activities becomes limited. Sometimes, seeing a podiatrist is not enough. There are additional treatment options that conservative in nature and may include some of the following:
- Get plenty of rest in order to prevent further damage to the foot or the leg
- Apply ice to the impacted area to help relieve pain and prevent swelling (3-4 times per day at 20 minutes per application)
- A doctor might prescribe NSAIDs to prevent inflammation
- Relieve pain with stretching activities such as calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches
- Steroid injections into the plantar fascia for relief of pain
- Wearing supportive or orthopedic shoes to support the foot
- Wearing a splint at night to help stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping
- Physical therapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) – shockwave pulses used to stimulate healing
Options when Surgery is Required
You may be able to see a podiatrist to get some help, but if a patient does not experience relief within 12 months of undergoing conservative treatment methods, surgery is the next step in repairing heel pain, foot and ankle pain, and fasciitis plantar issues. There are two types of surgeries for foot and ankle issues and heel pain, including the following:
Plantar fascia release:
You continue to have heel pain but do have a normal range of motion. The tension will be relieved when the surgeon makes a partial cut to the plantar fascia at our Arlington treatment center. You will experience a lower risk of damage to your nerves if you endure surgery via the open incision.
Gastrocnemius recession:
The plantar fascia may cause discomfort and strain when the gastrocnemius and calf muscles are tight. The calf muscle will be lengthened using surgery at our Arlington, Virginia treatment facility for your ankle conditions.
Risks of Surgery
As with any type of surgery, there are risks. These include infection, unresolved pain, and nerve damage. Speak with our podiatrist today for more information on the best treatment options available.
Call OrthoBethesda Today to Schedule an Appointment
Have you been suffering from painful issues at the bottom of your foot or your heel? You could be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that can impact your ability to stand, walk, run, and perform normal daily activities. Call our office in Arlington, Va, at (301) 530-1010 to discuss your pain, the causes of this condition, the therapy options available, more information, and to build a plan for the best care with the help of a doctor from our sports center. We have time available to meet your schedule.