Plantar Fasciitis
Our Experienced Podiatrists Can Ease Your Heel Pain
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendinitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. An experienced podiatrist is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and determine the underlying source of your heel pain. At The Podiatry Center, our experts offer 5-star treatment for plantar fasciitis in Bethesda, MD, and Springfield, VA.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to the faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
- Pain on the bottom of the heel
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Pain that is usually worse upon arising
- Pain that increases over a period of months
People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they’ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia. For some people, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
To arrive at a diagnosis, our foot doctor will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process, our foot doctor rules out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis. In addition, diagnostic imaging studies such as x-rays or other imaging modalities may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain.
Sometimes heel spurs are found in patients with plantar fasciitis, but these are rarely a source of pain. When they are present, the condition may be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Our approach to treatment always begins with conservative methods like rest, icing the area, medications, orthotics, and stretching exercises. In the event of an extensive injury, surgery may be necessary but is always the last option. If you need surgery to repair your condition, our podiatrists are experienced in all types of surgery and can offer you the highest quality of care to get you back on your feet fast.
Contact Us for Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis in Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA, Today
To experience our 5-star-rated podiatric care, schedule your New Patient Consultation today by calling (301) 656-6055 to reach our Bethesda, MD, office or (703) 451-2977 to reach our Springfield, VA, office. You may also click here for our convenient online form. Your appointment includes the following:
- Discuss Your Goals
- Complete Exam & Diagnosis
- Discuss Your Options
During your appointment, we will take the time to answer all your questions about our advanced treatments and technology, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us!
