Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain. Many people have heard of heel spurs, but the spur itself is not the cause of the discomfort. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that attaches from the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of the band typically causes great discomfort on bottom of the heel with the first few steps in the morning or when standing after long periods of rest. The pain can feel like stabbing or burning to the bottom of the heel or along the arch.
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The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The causes of plantar fasciitis are varied. We know that certain foot types (flat feet and high arches), poor shoe choices, certain activities (running, dancing, etc), body weight, and profession can all contribute to heel pain.
Treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis
Treating plantar fasciitis traditionally involves a series of cortisone injections to the heel, calf stretches, oral anti-inflammatories, inserts, and a good supportive pair of sneakers. At Certified Foot & Ankle Specialists, we also offer amniotic injections for the most recalcitrant cases of plantar fasciitis. Amniotic injections deliver live human cells directly to the site of injury to reduce pain and inflammation and heal chronic soft tissue damage. These injections can also be used in refractory cases of Achilles tendinitis as well.
Minor surgical options
For the most severe and long-term cases of plantar fasciitis that have failed all conservative treatment, we do offer a minimally invasive procedure known as an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy which releases part of the plantar fascia to achieve immediate relief. The recovery is minimal and a patient can typically bear weight in just a couple of days.
It is not worth it to suffer from heel or ankle pain, so as soon as you see symptoms, make it a point to consult with your podiatrist. At all of our locations, we approach any conservative and comprehensive care with the same amount of importance. We are driven by excellence and will leave nothing short of the best care to help you get back on your feet.
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Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist – Central Fort Myers, Florida
