Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common overuse injuries, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons An Nguyen, DPM, and Anna Wojcik-Stepien, DPM, have years of experience diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. They can develop a personalized care plan that relieves heel pain and helps you get back on your feet. Call the office to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis, or book an appointment online today.

I regularly have heel pain; could it be plantar fasciitis?

Most people experience heel pain at one time or another. It usually improves with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication, but if your symptoms continue for days or even weeks, it might indicate a more severe problem, like plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– becomes injured from walking, running, or other routine movements. Without treatment, the injury causes chronic inflammation, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Does plantar fasciitis present symptoms?

Plantar fasciitis symptoms include the following:

• A tight Achilles tendon
• Swelling around your heel
• Stiffness
• Heel pain

As the condition worsens, the pain in your heel might extend to the arch or ball of your foot.

Can anyone experience plantar fasciitis, or are there specific risk factors?

Plantar fasciitis affects people from all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Having abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches
• Working a job that keeps you on your feet
• Being between the age of 40 and 60

Certain types of exercise might also increase your risk. For example, runners and dancers are especially prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

How does a podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis?

Your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines the bottoms of your feet. They check for redness, swelling, or bruising and gently press on the heels, arches, and balls of your feet to identify sensitive areas. 

Then, they have you walk back and forth, observing your gait and posture. If your podiatrist suspects your pain is caused by a different problem, such as a fracture, they might also order X-rays. 

How does a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?

A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC treats plantar fasciitis using a conservative and noninvasive approach whenever possible. They might recommend:

• Using a walking boot, cane, or crutches
• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
• Ultrasonic tissue repair

Your podiatrist might recommend surgery if these treatments don’t provide lasting relief. During plantar fasciitis surgery, your provider carefully releases your plantar fascia to relieve your pain.

Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, to request a plantar fasciitis consultation or book your appointment online today.