Heel & Arch Pain in Adults - A Quick Fix for Foot Specialists

What is Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)?

PROBLEM

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An inflammation of the main ligament in the arch of your foot, where it attaches to the heel bone and supports the foot, can lead to pain in the bottom of the foot. Usually, this pain will be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, or heel spur syndrome.

CAUSES

• Trauma, or other injury, to the bottom of the foot.
• Excessive activity or use over a short period of time.
• Flat or high-arched feet.
• Tight muscles, especially the calf or hamstring.
• Poor footwear (either flat or worn-out shoes) or walking barefoot for prolonged periods of time.
• Standing or walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
• Uphill walking on a treadmill.
• Overuse of the elliptical machine.
• Excessive calf raises or lunges.
• Zumba type classes that make you change elevation frequently during exercise.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain first thing in the morning when you get out of bed and put weight on your foot.
• Pain that diminishes while walking. Pain that may last for only a few minutes early on, but persists for longer durations as time passes.
• Pain after sitting for a prolonged period of time or when getting out of a car and starting to walk.
• Occasional burning, numbness, shooting or tingling in the heel. This may also be a sign of surrounding nerve injury.
• Extreme tenderness when touching the heel or arch area on your foot.
• Commonly seen with lower back pain.
• Potential degradation to stress reaction or stress fracture in the foot or leg.

TREATMENT

As painful as plantar fasciitis may be, it's actually very easy to treat if you see a foot specialist early. Here's what to expect from treatment. First, you'll go through a thorough history and physical examination of the foot and lower leg. Then, based on the findings, you'll likely be told one of the following.

• Avoid walking barefoot. Wear a supportive shoe with a heel higher than the front. For women, high heels an inch or larger work best. This takes much of the pressure off of the affected area.
• Anti-inflammatory medication, ultrasound-guided steroid injections or oral medications, will be prescribed to help reduce inflammation.
• Taping your foot to support and give immediate relief to the area.
• Prescription of custom molded orthotic inserts to permanently support your foot and prevent reoccurrence. This is always the best LONG-TERM treatment for plantar fasciitis.
• Frequent stretching of calf and hamstring muscles to improve your overall flexibility.
• Splinting your foot at night to stretch the muscle in the back of the leg.
• Applying ice to the area by freezing an almost full plastic water bottle and rolling it with the arch of your foot.
• Occasional immobilization of the foot in a cast or boot to provide more rest and immediate relief.
• Shockwave therapy or PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections.
• Surgery as a last resort. Endoscopic plantar fascia release of the ligament from the heel is a 10 minute procedure that provides relief in almost all cases.

PROGNOSIS

Long term relief is almost guaranteed when you treat your plantar fasciitis early. A diligent approach to treatment is always best, and when our patients work with us to make that happen, we are able to provide almost immediate relief in most cases.

Use our online scheduler to book your appointment. If you have a busy schedule during the week, we are open Saturdays by appointment only in our recently redone Plantation office. 

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