Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes knife-like heel pain, sometimes making every step difficult. At Cypress Foot & Ankle Center in Cypress, Texas, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kunal Amin, DPM, offers well-rounded plantar fasciitis care to give you quick relief. Treatments like orthotics, bracing, and medication can ease your pain while stimulating natural healing. Call the office or book your appointment online today. 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition marked by sharp heel pain. It occurs because of strain in the plantar fascia, the fibrous ligament that connects your heel and toes. Excessive pressure on the plantar fascia causes tiny tears in its long fibers, which then triggers inflammation, swelling, and pain.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes severe sharp or stabbing heel pain. The pain peaks when you take the first couple of steps each morning and usually affects one foot.

Many people with plantar fasciitis have heel spurs, tiny hooks of bone on the bottom of the heel. Heel spurs rarely cause pain, and they’re usually a reaction to the plantar fasciitis, so treating the plantar fasciitis resolves your symptoms. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Any type of excessive pressure on your plantar fascia can cause plantar fasciitis. Some factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis include: 

• Training too hard with no buildup, particularly distance running
• Poorly fitting athletic shoes
• Running on hard surfaces (concrete, gym floors, or asphalt)
• Standing for long periods on hard floors 
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Carrying extra weight
• Pregnancy

Plantar fasciitis is most common at age 40-60 but can happen in anyone. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Dr. Amin checks your foot carefully to detect plantar fasciitis. He may ask you to stand on your toes or point your toes to assess your reaction. 

Plantar fasciitis pain comes and goes, which means you might not have any pain in the office. So be sure to describe your symptoms and how and when they occur so Dr. Amin can accurately evaluate your condition.

Dr. Amin may recommend X-rays, ultrasound, or other imaging to detect plantar fasciitis and rule out other problems. 

What is the most effective plantar fasciitis treatment? 

Healing your plantar fascia is the most effective solution for plantar fasciitis. In most cases, your body is fully capable of healing the inflamed tissue naturally, but you need help to do that. Dr. Amin can prescribe treatments to relieve your pain and speed up the healing process, such as: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Night splint
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotics
• Activity modifications 

Dr. Amin customizes treatment for you. In the rare cases where conservative care isn’t effective, Dr. Amin can perform a simple surgical procedure to relieve plantar fascia tension for lasting relief.

Call Cypress Foot & Ankle Center or book your appointment online today.