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Plantar fasciitis affects about 10% of runners, but it’s also the top cause of heel pain in adults whether they run or not. The team of experts at Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists have extensive experience relieving the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. Don’t suffer from heel pain for too long because plantar fasciitis can worsen over time. The practice has offices in Leitchfield, Fern Creek, Elizabethtown, Shepherdsville, Jeffersonville, and Louisville, Kentucky. Schedule an appointment using online booking or call the office nearest you.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The ligament that connects your heel to the base of your toes is called the plantar fascia. It has the critical job of supporting your arch and helping to absorb shock.
When your plantar fascia undergoes pressure or develops a tear, or you suffer an injury or have a structural problem with the arch, the ligament becomes inflamed, a condition called plantar fasciitis.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain. Although it primarily causes heel pain, you may also feel pain in the arch. Some patients develop swelling on the bottom of their heel.
The pain is typically worse when you begin to walk after resting or sleeping. When you don’t use your foot, the plantar fascia tightens, so the sudden stretching of the inflamed tissue when you put weight on your foot triggers pain. This type of pain improves as you keep moving and stretch the plantar fascia.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The providers at Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. After a thorough examination, they may conduct diagnostic imaging like ultrasound to verify the severity of your condition.
Your treatment is always customized and may include any of the following:
Conservative therapies
You may need to temporarily immobilize your foot or avoid activities that aggravate the ligament to give it time to heal. Your provider shows you stretching exercises you can do at home to relieve symptoms and prevent recurring problems.
In some cases, physical therapy is prescribed to stretch and strengthen soft tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Orthotics and shoes
Full-length orthotics and heel cups help support and cushion your heel while taking pressure off the plantar fascia. Your provider may prescribe customized orthotics to correct structural problems contributing to plantar fasciitis.
Medical treatment
Oral and topical medications or corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT)
When your plantar fasciitis doesn’t respond to other treatments, the providers at Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists can provide ESWT. ESWT is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-energy sonic waves to stimulate healing.
Surgery
If you still have symptoms after trying conservative treatments for about 12 months, your provider may perform surgery to relieve tension on the plantar fascia.
You can get relief from the pain of plantar fasciitis — call Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online.