Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and Surgery

The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It extends from your heel to the base of your toes. Trauma, overuse, or prolonged wear and tear on the heel can strain this band, causing damage, inflammation, and pain. Pain under the heel is most frequently associated with a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

According to statistics, plantar fasciitis affects 1 in 10 people at some point during their lifetime. It affects both athletic and less active individuals and may be triggered by several factors and activities that overload or overstretch the plantar fascia. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include foot arch problems, a tight Achilles tendon, and tight calf muscles. Additionally, specific sports, exercises, being overweight, and worn or poorly constructed shoes may contribute to the problem. Plantar fasciitis is common among athletes who run and jump a lot. Runners, in particular, often complain of plantar heel pain.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can occur suddenly or gradually and can be quite painful. The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. While an individual with plantar fasciitis may experience dull or sharp pain, sometimes aching or burning on the bottom of the foot is felt. In many cases, a heel spur is also present.

What is the treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond to conservative and non-operative approaches to care. Non-surgical treatment may include physical therapy, orthotics, night splinting, casting, or corticosteroid injections, and other medications. However, there remains a small percentage of people who do not experience sufficient relief. When symptoms are disabling and persist even after an extended course of conservative therapy, a surgical procedure to release a tight or contracted plantar fascia may be indicated. Plantar fasciitis surgery offers a high success rate and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. 

Expert care from a trained specialist

If a heel injury or persistent heel pain and associated symptoms are keeping you from participating in your daily activities, it’s time to contact a trained foot and ankle surgeon for an evaluation and care. At the office of Dr. J. Turner Vosseller, we provide the highest quality of skilled and experienced state-of-the-art care.

Personalized Care

From an Experienced Orthopaedist