Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially among runners and people who work on their feet. A podiatrist can help you manage the pain of plantar fasciitis, help you heal, and prevent the condition from returning. Stephanie Parks, DPM, Justin Ward, DPM, and the Bosque Foot and Ankle team have extensive experience treating plantar fasciitis. To schedule an appointment that could help remedy your heel pain, call the office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or request an appointment online today. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.

The plantar fascia supports the arches of your feet and acts as a shock absorber. However, if you put excessive pressure or stress on your heel, you may develop small tears in the ligament. 

Plantar fasciitis often causes a sharp, burning pain, along with swelling and tenderness in the bottom of your foot. At first, you may feel pain when you first get out of bed in the morning or after you exercise, but not during exercise. Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain and difficulty walking.

Plantar fasciitis is common among runners. If your occupation involves staying on your feet for hours at a time, you’re also at risk. It’s most common among people between the ages of 40 and 60.

Is an imaging test needed to diagnose plantar fasciitis?

Often, your podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis without an imaging test. Your podiatrist examines your foot for areas of tenderness or pain and asks about your symptoms. Your podiatrist may also ask about your medical history and everyday activities, which could contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Though plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, your podiatrist may need to rule out other conditions. For example, you may have a stress fracture or a pinched nerve. Your podiatrist may also look for heel spurs or bony deposits, which commonly accompany plantar fasciitis.

Does plantar fasciitis respond to conservative treatment?

Plantar fasciitis usually responds to conservative treatment within a few months. Your podiatrist may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication
• Steroid injections
• Rest and ice
• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Custom-made orthotics

While you recover from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to avoid putting additional pressure on your heel. If you’re a runner, you may need to substitute low-impact exercise, like swimming or cycling. Mixing up your workouts can also prevent plantar fasciitis from returning.

Your podiatrist may recommend a surgical procedure if your symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment. 

Don’t wait to seek treatment for heel pain. For expert diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment at Bosque Foot and Ankle by calling the office or requesting one online today.