If you experience chronic heel pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, you probably have plantar fasciitis. More than 2 million Americans visit the doctor for plantar fasciitis each year. At Greenwood Foot Clinic, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Mark Lazar, DPM, and podiatrist and foot surgeon Stephen Tentler, DPM, and the team, provide diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. To make an appointment, call the office in Greenwood or Martinsville, Indiana, or book online today.
Plantar fasciitis causes chronic heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia––a band of soft tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot––develops small tears. Daily activities, like walking, running, and climbing stairs cause inflammation, resulting in pain and mobility issues.
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain. The pain caused by plantar fasciitis typically occurs during rest. For example, if you have plantar fasciitis, you might experience intense heel pain first thing in the morning. You might also have flare-ups after extended periods of sitting or standing.
Various factors could increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, including:
You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if your job requires you to stay on your feet. For example, if you’re a waitress or a construction worker.
The team at Greenwood Foot Clinic diagnoses plantar fasciitis during an in-office visit.
Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if certain activities like work or exercise, make them worse. Next, your provider examines your heel, foot, and ankle. During the exam, they look for redness, swelling, or bruising, and press on your heel to identify the area of your discomfort.
If these steps don’t provide enough information, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures capture photos of your hard and soft tissues, making it easy for the team to identify wear-and-tear or inflammation.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on several factors, including your age and the intensity of the symptoms. The team at Greenwood Foot Clinic might recommend:
If your heel pain persists or worsens, the team might recommend surgery. During surgery, your provider uses special tools to release your plantar fascia from your heel bone.
To see if you can benefit from plantar fasciitis treatment, make an appointment at Greenwood Foot Clinic by calling the nearest office or booking online today.