Plantar Fasciitis
Summary
Plantar Fasciitis FAQ
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—the strong band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot—becomes irritated and painful.
The plantar fascia helps support your arch and absorbs stress when you walk and move. Repetitive stress or changes in activity can contribute to pain, particularly where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain underneath the heel or along the bottom of the foot.What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- Sharp pain underneath or near the heel
- Tenderness along the bottom of the foot
- Pain with your first steps in the morning
- Foot pain after exercise or walking
- Symptoms that improve temporarily but return frequently
Who is at risk of developing plantar fasciitis?
People who stresses their feet are at risk of plantar fasciitis. These include runners, athletes, middle-aged adults, high BMI, and pregnant women. People who walk and stand a lot are also at risk, including healthcare providers, retail workers, factory workers, and construction workers.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatments in Denver
Stretching and Exercise
Plantar fasciitis can often be treated with exercises that targets stretching and strengthening the plantar fascia to improve flexibility and to reduce stress. Most patients will benefit from these exercises and they can be quickly learned during your consultation with Dr. McNelly.
Footwear Recommendations and Orthotics
The shoes you wear matter! Dr. McNelly will assess your gait and recommend the most appropriate footwear to support your arch. Sometimes, orthotics may be recommended to provide additional support to reduce the strain on your plantar fascia and to alleviate your pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Injections
Corticosteroid injections into the plantar fascia can be considered for patients with recurrent plantar fasciitis or with more severe symptoms. The injections are performed in-office and is well tolerated by patients.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Some patients with severe plantar fasciitis will benefit from surgical interventions to alleviate their symptoms. Dr. McNelly may discuss these options with you along with their risks and benefits when deemed necessary.
