Plantar Fasciitis Care at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute offers specialized plantar fasciitis care to help patients manage and overcome the pain and discomfort caused by this common condition. Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain and affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re an athlete, someone who spends long hours on your feet, or have recently developed heel pain, our experienced podiatrists and orthopedic specialists are dedicated to providing personalized, effective treatments that promote healing and restore your mobility.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This tissue supports the foot arch and absorbs the shock of walking, running, or standing. When the plantar fascia becomes overstressed or strained, small tears in the tissue can result in pain, inflammation, and discomfort, particularly around the heel. Plantar fasciitis is most commonly characterized by:

• Heel pain: Often described as a sharp or stabbing pain that typically occurs with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.
• Arch pain: Pain may also be felt along the foot’s arch, especially after physical activity or standing for prolonged periods.
• Tenderness and stiffness: The heel and arch may feel tender to the touch and stiff when flexing or walking.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis develops when excessive pressure or repetitive stress is placed on the plantar fascia, leading to irritation and inflammation. Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Overuse: Repetitive activities such as running, walking, or jumping can strain the plantar fascia, especially in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact sports such as running, basketball, or tennis.
• Foot Mechanics: Certain foot structures, such as flat feet, high arches, or overpronation (rolling inward of the foot), can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis by altering how pressure is distributed across the foot.
• Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or heel stability can contribute to plantar fasciitis, especially if you spend long hours on your feet.
• Obesity or Weight Gain: Carrying excess weight places additional stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, as the plantar fascia loses some of its elasticity and flexibility with age.
• Occupation: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as factory work, teaching, or retail, can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis often presents with specific symptoms, which include:

• Sharp Heel Pain: The most prominent symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may decrease after a few minutes of walking but can return after long periods of standing or physical activity.
• Stiffness in the Foot: The affected foot may feel stiff, especially after getting out of bed or sitting for long periods. The pain may radiate from the heel to the arch of the foot.
• Worsening Pain After Activity: While the pain may ease during exercise or walking, it often returns or worsens after the activity is completed.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Some individuals may experience mild swelling or redness around the heel and arch of the foot.

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain that may affect daily activities, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform physical activities comfortably.

Our Approach to Plantar Fasciitis Care

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to plantar fasciitis care. Our treatment plans are designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent the condition from recurring. We focus on non-invasive treatments whenever possible, though we offer advanced options for more severe or persistent cases.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

In most cases, plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed and treated with non-surgical treatments. These conservative options reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing of the plantar fascia.

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities aggravating the plantar fascia, such as running or standing for long periods, can help alleviate symptoms. Resting the foot allows the tissue to heal without added stress.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Stretching exercises that target the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles can help reduce tension and improve foot flexibility. Specific exercises may include toe stretches, calf stretches, and foot rolls using a tennis ball or foam roller. Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles can also help improve foot mechanics and prevent recurrence.
• Custom Orthotics and Shoe Modifications: Wearing custom orthotic inserts that provide proper arch support and cushioning can reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and correct foot mechanics. Our specialists may recommend orthotics tailored to your foot structure and footwear modifications, including shoes with proper arch support, cushioned soles, and firm heel counters.
• Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists offer specialized rehabilitation programs to stretch, strengthen, and stabilize the foot and lower leg. Physical therapy may include manual therapy techniques, ultrasound therapy, and exercises to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Night Splints: Wearing a night splint while sleeping helps keep the foot flexed, stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Doing so also helps to prevent morning stiffness and reduce the initial pain felt with the day’s first steps.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For individuals with severe pain that has proven unresponsive to conservative treatments, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. These injections target the inflamed plantar fascia area and can offer significant pain relief.

Advanced Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective or the condition becomes chronic, we offer advanced treatment options to provide relief and promote healing.

• Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process in the plantar fascia. This therapy promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and helps break down scar tissue. It is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic or recurring plantar fasciitis.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is an innovative treatment involving injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s platelets into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration, making PRP therapy a promising option for individuals with persistent plantar fasciitis.
• Custom Bracing: For individuals with severe foot mechanics issues or flat feet, custom braces or foot immobilization may be recommended to provide additional support and stability while the plantar fascia heals.