What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. Straining this ligament makes it weak, swollen and inflamed. This causes the bottom of your foot or your heel to hurt when standing or walking. This happens more frequently in people over age 25, but also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament repeatedly which can cause a tear leading to pain and swelling. It happens if you do any of the following:

• Your feet roll inward when you walk.
• You have flat feet or high arched feet.
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.
• You walk, run or stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
• You are overweight.
• You wear ill-fitting shoes.

Plantar fasciitis symptoms

Pain when taking first steps after getting out of bed or sitting. Pain when climbing stairs or standing.

Plantar fasciitis diagnosis

NY Podiatrist, Dr. Isaac Tabari will check your feet and watch you stand and walk. He will ask questions about your past health, your symptoms and how active you are. He may also take an x-ray and do an ultrasound review to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other problem.

How is it treated?

Rest and cutting back on activities. Not walking on hard surfaces. Ice packs on heel. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (i.e. Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Therapy, such as calf stretches or towel stretches. Change of shoes to ones with good arch support and a cushioned sole. Shoe inserts like custom orthotics. Injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if conservative treatment will fail.