Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. Typically, people with plantar fasciitis experience heel and/or arch pain.
Many patients experience heel pain in the morning or after long periods of rest because the plantar fascia is being stretched after shortening during rest. Once the plantar fascia has warmed up, the pain subsides.
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of heel spurs (new bone growth at the bottom of your heel) and other foot problems.
CAUSES
Plantar Fasciitis often develops from overuse or when the foot overpronates (arches collapse and ankle rolls in). As the foot overpronates, the plantar fascia is overstretched which causes inflammation and sometimes the development of new bone at the heel where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel (heel spur).
TREATMENT
There are numerous ways to treat plantar fasciitis from conservative to more aggressive methods. Our comprehensive treatment plans aim to address both the pain (inflammation) and the underlying biomechanical cause (overuse or overpronation) to find long-term relief.
Along with icing and stretching, oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications, ultrasound (phonophoresis), and/or cortisone injections may be included in your treatment plan.
Custom orthotics are often prescribed to support the plantar fascia and correct the underlying biomechanical issue. The custom orthotics would be prescribed uniquely for your gait and biomechanics. Custom orthotics allow the plantar fascia to "rest" to insure long-term relief.