Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain in adults. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, the premier plantar fasciitis experts in the Greater Memphis area offer customized care at offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee. Get help with your nagging heel pain by calling the nearest office or scheduling your appointment through online booking today. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a foot injury affecting the plantar fascia ligament that spans the bottom of your foot. When the ligament grows irritated and inflamed, it triggers sharp intermittent heel pain. 

Often, heel pain is most severe when you first wake up and after long periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis usually affects only one foot at a time.

While other conditions like stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, nerve irritation, and arthritis can cause heel pain, plantar fasciitis is by far the most common cause in adults. In contrast, a growth plate injury called Sever’s disease is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8-14. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs for several reasons, all of which place undue stress on the plantar fascia. Some of the most common causes include:

• Faulty foot structure, including flat feet and high arches
• Wearing unsupportive shoes on hard surfaces
• Standing for hours at a time
• Extra weight 
• A sudden increase in exercise
• Short Achilles tendon

In many cases, a few factors may combine to trigger plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

The plantar fasciitis diagnostic process includes a foot exam, medical history review, and symptom review. All these things can help rule out other causes of heel pain. 

You may need an X-ray or diagnostic ultrasound. About half of people with plantar fasciitis have heel spurs (bony hook-like protrusions) on X-rays. Heel spurs are your body’s response to heel inflammation and rarely cause heel pain themselves. 

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis treatment addresses the root cause of your pain: inflammation. The main approaches include: 

• Stretching exercises
• Wearing supportive shoes 
• Custom orthotics
• Ice packs (20-minute sessions)
• Modified physical activity
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Foot strapping
• Walking boot
• Night splint

If your pain persists, you may need corticosteroid injections. They can diminish inflammation for as long as four weeks but aren’t a long-term treatment. 

Only about 5% of people with plantar fasciitis need surgery. A plantar fascia release disconnects the ligament from the heel, which stops the constant irritation and pain. You can still function normally after plantar fascia release, but since it’s a surgical procedure, it’s only for people who don’t get results with conservative treatments. 

If you’re having terrible heel pain, don’t wait to get help. Call Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists or click the online scheduler to make your appointment now.