Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that usually causes intense pain when you take your first steps after waking up. At Maryland Podiatry Center in Ellicott City, Maryland, podiatrist John Murphy, DPM, takes a patient-centered approach to plantar fasciitis. Dr. Murphy thoroughly examines your feet, talks to you about your condition, and creates a plan that helps you heal so that you can walk without pain. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

I have heel pain when I get out of bed. Is that plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain that radiates into the arch of the foot is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. It’s common for people to experience this pain when they first wake up or after spending a long time off their feet.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the fibrous band running along the bottom of your foot that connects the heel to your toes. The plantar fascia absorbs shock when you walk or run.

The inflammation happens when you suffer damage or tiny tears in the fibrous tissue, causing pain.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury and most often shows up in people who spend a lot of time standing, walking, or running. You can also develop plantar fasciitis if you have a high arch, flat feet, or tight calf muscles.

Obesity and age are also risk factors for plantar fasciitis.

When should I see a podiatrist about plantar fasciitis?

Some people have acute plantar fasciitis, with pain that develops suddenly from an injury or an intense workout and gets better in less than a week.

Dr. Murphy recommends scheduling an appointment at Maryland Podiatry Center if you have severe heel pain that lasts more than a week or is affecting your ability to walk.

During your visit, the experienced podiatrist asks detailed questions about your symptoms and when they started. He also reviews your daily routine and medical history. Dr. Murphy examines your foot and might order X-rays to rule out other conditions that could explain your heel pain. This includes heel spurs — calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone.

What treatments can improve plantar fasciitis?

Dr. Murphy discusses your plantar fasciitis so that you understand the nature of the condition and the treatments that can heal the damage. Initially, he takes a conservative approach, recommending:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Stretching exercises
• Applying ice
• Changing your activities
• Using orthotics (custom-fitted shoe inserts)

If you continue to have heel pain after 12 weeks of conservative care, Dr. Murphy could recommend corticosteroid injections and ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and improve healing.

Maryland Podiatry Center also provides electrocorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Call Maryland Podiatry Center today or book an appointment online to get help for your heel pain.