Plantar Fasciitis

If you experience intense heel pain that’s worse when you take your first steps in the morning, chances are the pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, Joel Segalman, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAO, and Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, perform a thorough exam and use in-office ultrasound imaging to accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis. Then they provide personalized treatment that heals the problem so you can return to your favorite activities. To get relief from heel pain, call the office in Waterbury or Newtown, Connecticut, or book an appointment online today.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when inflammation develops in a wide, thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot.

The tissue, called the plantar fascia, connects to your heel and runs along your foot, and divides into five strips that attach to each toe. The plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch, absorbs shock, and protects nerves and blood vessels.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis develops when excessive stress causes small tears and inflammation. That typically occurs due to problems such as:

• Flat feet
• High arches
• Repetitive movements
• Tight calf muscles
• Tight Achilles tendon
• High impact activities (running, jumping, dancing)
• No arch support in your shoes
• Overpronation (rolling your foot inward)
• Prolonged standing on hard surfaces

If you don’t correct the underlying problem, your plantar fasciitis keeps getting worse.

What symptoms does plantar fasciitis cause?

Plantar fasciitis primarily causes heel pain. Most people find that the pain is worse when they get out of bed and begin walking in the morning, but it improves as you keep moving. You may also experience pain in the arch or develop a swollen heel. The pain also tends to get worse after you finish exercise (not during exercise).

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing plantar fasciitis is reviewing your symptoms and examining your foot. In some cases, your provider may need to view the tissues using diagnostic ultrasound.

They perform ultrasound in the office. The procedure is safe, painless, and only takes a few minutes to produce a real-time image of the plantar fascia.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis treatment begins with resting your foot and temporarily avoiding the activities that put too much pressure on the tissues. Your provider may immobilize your foot with a walking cast. That gives the plantar fascia time to heal without the stress of daily movement.

Your Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC  provider may also recommend other conservative treatments, such as:

• Icing the bottom of your foot
• Gentle stretching
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroid injections
• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Amniotic injections
• Laser therapy
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)

EPAT, also called shockwave therapy, sends sound waves into the plantar fascia. Laser therapy and EPAT both stimulate healing and reduce inflammation and pain.

If you struggle with heel pain, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, or book online today.