Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain at the bottom of the foot between the ball of the foot and the heel. It is due to inflammation of a tough layer of tissue called the plantar fascia.

Symptoms

There are multiple factors that may increase the chances of getting plantar fasciitis. These include wearing high heels, gaining weight, and an increase in walking, standing, running, stair-climbing, exercising on a hard surface or wearing shoes with little arch support and heel cushion. Having high or low arches can also be a contributing factor.

Typically the pain improves with rest and during the night while sleeping only to become worse when you first get out of bed in the morning.

Diagnosis

Our sports medicine physicians will examine the feet and may order x-rays. It is important to understand that although we may see a heel spur on the x-ray, the spur is not the reason for the pain but rather a consequence of the inflammation of the fascia.

Treatment

The treatment of plantar fasciitis includes rest, icing the heel for a few minutes several times a day, a home exercise and stretching program, and wearing heel cushions. Orthotics may be recommended for abnormal arches.

In more severe cases, a physical therapist can provide more advances stretches, exercises and possibly taping to support the bottom of the food. Some patients may need splints to keep the feet stretch while sleeping. Pain that does not get better may require cortisone injections.

Request a Consultation

If you’re concerned your child may have plantar fasciitis, call 727-76SPORT to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online with our Sports Medicine physicians, who will determine a diagnosis and recommend further treatment.