What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of a long band of tissue called fascia that runs from your ankle, over your arches, and to your toes. The condition is characterized by heel pain, arch pain, and swelling.

Heel pain is often the first sign of plantar fasciitis. Understanding what plantar fasciitis is and how it can be treated is important for a full recovery. The first step in determining whether you have this condition is visiting a podiatrist that treats it. Dr. Dennis is an experienced foot specialist in heel pain, treating patients in the Houston area for over 35 years.

Causes

The plantar fascia starts under the heel and has the width of your index finger where it connects to the heel bone. It extends along the entire bottom of the foot and splits into five slips which insert into each of the toes.
This attachment to the heel is the weak link. Anything that increases pressure through the arch causes the fascia to pull on its attachment and literally rips it loose from the bone. This causes inflammation and swelling, hence pain. Over a period of time the fascia will try to strengthen itself by laying down bone around the origin and this forms the heel spur often seen on x-ray.

Symptoms

• Heel Pain
• Swelling
• Arch Pain
• Inflammation
• Reduced Mobility
• Heel Spurs

Treatment Options

The most conservative treatments – arch support, massage, and stretches – are utilized first for a period of time to assess their effectiveness. If needed, more aggressive treatments such as cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and/or immobilization will be utilized. When conventional treatment is not successful in managing foot and heel pain for patients with plantar fasciitis, two different minimally invasive surgical options can be considered.

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