What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful inflammation or burning sensation of the plantar fascia (tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes), typically worse in the morning because the fascia tendons tightens overnight. Pain usually returns throughout the day course of the day, after long periods of standing or sitting. You are more likely to develop this condition if you are a woman, if you are overweight, or if you have a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the inside part of the bottom of the heel

• Heel pain that is worse within the first few steps after awakening, climbing stairs, or standing tiptoed

• Heel pain after exercise (not during) 

• Mild swelling in the heel

Treatment:

• Rest: You should rest in order to keep weight off your foot until the inflammation goes away, this usually helps eliminate the most severe pain

• Apply ice to the sore area for 20 minutes three or four times daily

• Exercises and Stretching: Simple stretching exercises will help to relax the tissues that surround the heel bone

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Shoe Inserts (orthotics): this will help reduce some of the pressure of the heel and will help a person return to their regular activity

What to expect from a visit to an Urgent Care or ER: Normally there is no need to visit the ER unless there was an acute injury involving tearing of the Plantar Fascia. The recommended time to follow up with an Orthopaedic provider after a visit to an urgent care or ER should fall within 5-10 business days.

 Plantar Fasciitis Surgery:

Most Patients after 1 year of non-surgical treatment should notice improvements; however, some cases may require surgery.

Plantar fascia release: is the surgery procedure which involves cutting part of the plantar fascia ligament. This will release the tension on the ligament and will relieve inflammation.