Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel of your foot to your toes, becomes irritated or overloaded, causing pain and discomfort. It is very common in runners. In fact, plantar fasciitis accounts for up to 10% of running-related injuries and is often referred to as “runner’s heel.”
With each stride, the plantar fascia absorbs up to 3 times your body weight. As a result, it is highly susceptible to inflammation and tears from the repetitive impact of running. It is usually caused by repeated strain, rather than a single injury. Other causes or contributing factors can include:
Because plantar fasciitis is a common condition, there are many treatment options, including:
These may include a series of prescribed stretches and movements to alleviate symptoms, and/or icing the heel for 15-20 minutes several times per day.
You may be advised to temporarily cut back on exercise or running, avoid prolonged standing on hard surfaces or switch to exercising that does not irritate or put stress on the heel.
Shoes with customized inserts can improve support and pressure distribution, which can reduce pain and increase comfort during activity.
A professional physical therapist may use techniques such as guided stretching and strengthening, gait assessment and more.
Injections can reduce pain and inflammation temporarily, but repeated injections can create additional risks, such as tissue rupture.
When plantar fasciitis does not improve on its own, ESWT is a treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate
A surgical procedure to “release” the plantar fascia is sometimes recommended after 6-12 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment.
Performed by the doctors at Pacific Vascular Access Care, this innovative treatment is minimally invasive and has shown to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation.
At Pacific Vascular Access Care, we realize how plantar fasciitis can affect your daily life and overall well-being. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care and guidance every step of the way. Using advanced diagnostic tools and a variety of tailored treatment options, we focus on meeting your unique health needs with compassion and expertise.