Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common explanations of heel pain. It is caused by

inflammation to the thick band that connects the toes to the heel bone, called

the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot.

Physical Therapy – Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are recommended

to relieve pain and aid in the healing process. Sometimes application of

athletic tape is recommended. In moderate or severe cases of plantar fasciitis,

your doctor may recommend you wearing a night splint, which will stretch the

arch of your foot and calf while you sleep. This helps to lengthen the Achilles

tendon and plantar fascia for symptom relief. Depending on the severity of your

plantar fasciitis, your physician may prescribe a store-bought orthotic (arch

support) or custom-fitted orthotic to help distribute your foot pressure more

evenly.

Surgery and Other Procedures

When more conservative methods have failed to reduce plantar fasciitis pain, your

doctor may suggest extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which is used to treat

chronic plantar fasciitis. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses sound waves

to stimulate healing, but may cause bruises, numbness, tingling, swelling, and

pain. When all else fails, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar

fascia from the heel bone. Few people need surgery to treat the condition.

Home Remedies

Stretching your plantar fasciitis is something you can do at home to relieve pain and

speed healing. Ice massage performed three to four times per day in 15 to 20

minute intervals is also something you can do to reduce inflammation and pain.

Placing arch supports in your shoes absorbs shock and takes pressure off the

plantar fascia.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Ben Dammel