Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel or bottom of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the foot arch. The pain is comparable to sharp and stabbing, and it can be worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and affect daily activities. It's important to consult our board-certified podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY if you experience persistent heel pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments, as a podiatrist can diagnose the condition and develop an individualized treatment plan to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further damage from plantar fasciitis.
Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, a painful foot condition that affects the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, results from several factors. One of the most common causes is overuse, which can occur from repetitive activities such as running, dancing, or jumping. Wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes that don't provide proper arch support can also stress the plantar fascia and lead to inflammation.
Flat feet or high arches, obesity, and tight calf muscles are additional factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Age and gender also play a role, as the condition is more prevalent in women and individuals over 40.
Other causes include certain medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, plus activities that involve prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. Early recognition and treatment of the underlying cause can prevent further damage and reduce the risk of chronic pain and disability.
Discover Your Treatment Options
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, is caused by mechanical forces (repetitive stress) and thus is generally most responsive to treatments addressing the mechanical issue. Although padding, stretching or steroid injections can be helpful - limiting treatment to these options is rarely effective. Sneakers with memory foam generally worsen the issue over time as they lack any real support.
Effective Treatment measures include:
Foot orthotics with mechanical control (not “arch supports”)
Taping
Night splints
Measures to Augment mechanical treatment:
Steroid Injections
NSAIDS
Laser
For Athletes
Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)
Our podiatrist evaluates the patient's symptoms and medical history, performs a physical examination, and may order imaging tests during an initial consultation. Our provider will discuss treatment options and create a personalized plan that addresses your needs. Expect an open dialogue with the podiatrist, questions about lifestyle and daily activities, and a focus on reducing pain and improving function.
Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. We have three convenient locations for our patients who have questions about plantar fasciitis in Horseheads, Waverly, or Elmira, NY, and want to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery. Please call (607) 734-4582 for Elmira, (607) 739-8318 for Horseheads, and (607) 565-8128 for our Waverly office.