Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain among men and women in the United States. For chronic and acute plantar fasciitis cases, see the Family Foot & Ankle Center team in Upland, California. The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons offer a variety of conservative and minimally invasive procedures to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. Get started on your recovery today by calling the office or reaching out online.

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What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation in your plantar fascia, which is a dense band of fibrous tissue in the sole of your foot. It extends from your heel to the base of your toes.

The plantar fascia tissue helps provide structural support to the muscles and ligaments in the arch of your foot. It stretches slightly as you walk to allow motion in your arch without allowing your arch to collapse completely.

What are common plantar fasciitis symptoms?

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, where the fascia inserts into your heel bone. Other symptoms include:

  • Tightness or stiffness in the sole of your foot
  • Pain that’s worse upon waking when you get out of bed
  • Stretching or ripping pain
  • Sensations that feel like paper cuts in the sole of your foot
  • Increased pain with walking and running

Middle-aged men and women are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis than children, younger adults, or the elderly. Women and people who are overweight tend to have higher rates of plantar fasciitis as well.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by a variety of factors that create inflammation in the plantar fascia. Possible causes include:

  • Running or walking frequently
  • Standing for long periods
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Foot deformities

These factors damage the plantar fascia over time, causing small rips or tears in the tissue. When you’re on your feet frequently, these tears don’t have a chance to heal, so they become inflamed.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis develop gradually, though it’s possible to have sudden pain, especially if you’ve taken up a new sport or started a new job that requires you to stand all day.

How do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?

The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons provide conservative and surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis to relieve pain and help your plantar fascia heal. Your treatment plan can include:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy exercises and stretches
  • Night splints
  • Custom orthotics
  • Injections with cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

If conservative measures aren’t enough, surgical repair of your plantar fascia is recommended. The team discusses surgical options with you to determine the best approach for your symptoms and lifestyle.

To get treatment for plantar fasciitis, call to schedule an appointment or reach out online.