Plantar fasciitis pain affects the quality of life for one in 10 Americans. If you can’t manage the heel pain of plantar fasciitis on your own, you can find non-surgical treatments at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery. The experienced podiatrists can relieve your persistent pain and other symptoms with physical therapy, orthotics, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), so you can get back to your usual activities without limitations. Call the office in Burbank, Northridge, or Santa Clarita, California, to schedule a plantar fasciitis consultation or book an appointment online today!

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What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis describes inflammation and irritation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of fibrous tissue that connects your heel to the base of your toes.

Your plantar fascia helps absorb the shock of your movements. However, repetitive stress on the tissue can cause it to stretch, and small tears can develop over time. The stress can come from sports participation, other physical activities, or standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces.

Other risk factors for plantar fasciitis can include:

  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • High arches
  • Foot deformities

If you have an irregular gait, you may also be at an increased risk for plantar fasciitis.

When should I seek treatment for plantar fasciitis?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, such as stabbing pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot, especially when you wake up in the morning.

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can cause intense heel pain that interferes with your ability to walk. The pain can also change how you walk and lead to persistent pain in your knees, back, and hips.

Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery orders X-rays and other diagnostic tests to confirm plantar fasciitis and rule out fractures and other conditions. They can also locate heel spurs that develop due to plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

In the early stages, plantar fasciitis is often treatable with non-surgical therapies like:

  • Ice packs
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications

There are stretching exercises you can do at home to keep the soft tissues in your feet strong and flexible.

If you can’t find symptom relief with these treatments, the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery providers may recommend extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatment (ESWT).

ESWT is a noninvasive therapy that uses shockwaves to stimulate your body’s healing abilities. Directing the shockwave energy at your heel can reduce the inflammation and pain of plantar fasciitis.

If non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, you may be a candidate for surgery to cut the plantar fascia ligament to relieve tension and inflammation.

Call the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for plantar fasciitis or book an appointment online today.