Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Step into Comfort with Next Journey Orthopaedics
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we understand that plantar fasciitis can significantly impact your daily life, causing persistent heel pain and limiting your mobility. Our dedicated team of orthopaedic specialists is committed to providing personalized treatment plans to alleviate your discomfort and restore your active lifestyle.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, supporting the arch of your foot. This condition is a leading cause of heel pain, often resulting from repetitive stress or tension.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Common symptoms include:
Heel Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Stiffness: Tightness in the foot arch, particularly after prolonged inactivity.
Tenderness: Sensitivity when pressing on the heel or along the arch.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common Causes:
Overuse or repetitive strain
High-impact activities (running, jumping)
Poor footwear with inadequate support
Tight calf muscles affecting foot mechanics
Who Is at Risk?
Athletes and runners
Individuals with flat feet or high arches
Workers who stand for long hours (e.g., nurses, teachers)
People over 40, as the plantar fascia loses elasticity
Diagnosing Patellar Tendonitis
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess ligament damage, including:
Physical Examination – Checking for pain, swelling, and range of motion.
Imaging Tests – X-rays to rule out fractures, MRI or ultrasound to evaluate ligament tears.
Joint Stability Tests – Assessing movement limitations to determine severity.
Our precise diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment for a full recovery.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Our approach to treating plantar fasciitis is tailored to your specific needs, focusing on both non-surgical and surgical methods:
Non-Surgical Treatments
Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that exacerbate heel pain.
Physical Therapy: Implementing stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and support the plantar fascia.
Orthotic Devices: Utilizing custom-made shoe inserts to provide arch support and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
Medications: Prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
Night Splints: Wearing splints during sleep to maintain the foot in a dorsiflexed position, promoting gentle stretching of the plantar fascia.
Advanced Therapies
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Applying sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic cases unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Surgical Intervention
If non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered:
Plantar Fascia Release: A procedure where the surgeon carefully cuts part of the plantar fascia ligament to release tension, reducing stress and alleviating pain.
Gastrocnemius Recession: Surgically lengthening the calf muscles to decrease tension on the plantar fascia, beneficial for patients with tight calf muscles contributing to their condition.
Why Choose Next Journey Orthopaedics?
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a full spectrum of treatments, from conservative management to advanced surgical options, ensuring personalized care tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
-Mild cases: 4-6 weeks with conservative treatments.
-Moderate cases: 3-6 months with therapy and orthotics.
-Severe cases: 6-12 months, with possible advanced treatments.
Early treatment is key! Delayed care can extend recovery time and lead to chronic heel pain.
an plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Plantar fasciitis can sometimes improve with rest and lifestyle modifications, but ignoring the symptoms may lead to chronic pain and long-term damage. Early intervention with stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy significantly improves recovery time and prevents complications.
2. What happens if plantar fasciitis is left untreated?
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can worsen over time, leading to:
- Chronic heel pain that affects daily activities.
- Changes in walking (gait alterations), potentially causing knee, hip, or back pain.
- Heel spurs, which may require more intensive treatment.
- Increased risk of tendon or ligament damage due to compensatory movements.
Prompt treatment can prevent these complications and speed up recovery.
3. Is walking good or bad for plantar fasciitis?
Walking can be both helpful and harmful, depending on severity:
- Mild Cases: Gentle walking with supportive footwear and proper arch support can help stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia.
- Severe Cases: Overuse can increase inflammation and worsen pain.
Tip: Avoid walking barefoot or on hard surfaces, and wear shoes with proper cushioning.
4. What are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis should provide:
- Good arch support to distribute pressure evenly.
- Cushioned soles to absorb impact.
- Firm heel support to prevent excessive strain.
- A wide toe box for comfort and proper foot alignment.
Brands like Brooks, New Balance, ASICS, Hoka, and Orthopedic Inserts can help alleviate symptoms.