Plantar Fasciitis
Feeling a horrible sharp pain in your heel when you stand up or walk? It might be plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects about two million Americans every year. At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio in Mentor, Chardon, Westlake, Lakewood and Garfield Heights, Ohio, the expert podiatric care team can relieve your plantar fasciitis pain and get you back to living again. Book your appointment online or by phone now.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue reaching from your heel to your toes, is overstretched. This overstretching causes small tears in the plantar fascia, and this can lead to serious heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis usually develops when you put excessive stress your feet. This can happen in a variety of ways, including:
- Athletics, particularly running and jogging
- Obesity
- Standing for long periods
Usually, plantar fasciitis happens when you’ve recently made a change to your routine or gained a lot of weight in a relatively short period. But it can also develop more gradually.
Will plantar fasciitis get better naturally?
Usually, plantar fasciitis doesn’t get better without treatment. To get long-lasting relief, you need an experienced podiatrist’s help. With the help of your Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio podiatrist, you can feel better – and walk without pain – in as little as a few weeks.
What is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis?
The skilled podiatric care team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio offers a variety of treatments for plantar fasciitis, including:
Custom orthotics
Orthotics are made based on your foot’s specific measurements, and they fit perfectly into your shoes. Custom orthotics can help you stop placing so much pressure on the plantar fascia so it has a chance to heal.
Night splints
Night splints hold your foot, and therefore your plantar fascia, in a specific position while you sleep. This prompts more efficient healing.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections into the plantar fascia can alleviate inflammation and help your tissue heal more quickly. Cortisone injections are often paired with orthotics or other treatments for the fastest possible recovery.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Your podiatrist extracts a small amount of PRP from your blood and injects it directly into your heel. This encourages faster healing and can provide excellent pain relief.
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive surgery that your podiatrist can do on an outpatient basis. This highly effective procedure is often the best option for relief when nonsurgical treatments haven’t been successful.
Your Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio can customize a treatment plan for your needs. Use the online appointment tool or call the office now.