Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions, affecting 7%-10% of people at some time during their lives. At The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center in Spring, Texas, experienced podiatrist Michael Frazier, DPM, has more than a decade of experience diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. Call The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center today to schedule a plantar fasciitis consultation or book your appointment online.
"Dr. Frazier was really nice and caring. He understood what I was going through with my chronic ankle condition, he gave me all of my options that involve surgical."
What is plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Plantar fasciitis is a painful overuse injury that causes the plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes –– to develop small microtears, resulting in chronic inflammation and mobility issues.
Symptoms can occur at any time of day, but they’re particularly common in the mornings, shortly after waking up.
Everyone has heel pain at times, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week and don’t respond to rest and ice, seeking professional treatment is essential.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:
- A stiff Achilles tendon
- Persistent heel pain
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Swelling around the heel
- Stiffness
As plantar fasciitis worsens, standing or walking for more than a few minutes can trigger excruciating discomfort, keeping you from work, exercise, and other activities.
How does a podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis?
The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center providers review your medical records and ask about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into your forefoot or lower leg. Next, they complete a podiatry exam, checking your skin for redness, bruising, and swelling. Then, they gently press on your heel and Achilles tendon to identify sensitive places.
Let your provider know if specific activities, like work or exercise, worsen your symptoms. If you regularly wear more than one pair of shoes, bring them to your appointment so your provider can assess the wear patterns on the soles.
Your provider might order X-rays or an MRI, but only if they suspect another condition, like a fracture or sprained ankle, is causing your discomfort.
How does a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?
The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center offers various treatments for plantar fasciitis. Your provider might suggest:
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Icing your foot
- Taking a break from sports and other strenuous activities for a few weeks
- Custom orthotics or shoe inserts
- Immobilization with a walking boot or cast
- Massaging and stretching
- Corticosteroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)
These treatments typically prevent plantar fasciitis from worsening, but if your symptoms continue, you might be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.
Call The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center today to establish treatment for plantar fasciitis, or book your appointment online.
