Plantar Fasciitis
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Volusia County Podiatry
DeAndrea Duffus, DPM
Podiatry located in Debary, FL
A million Americans see a doctor about plantar fasciitis-related heel pain every year. At Volusia County Podiatry, in Debary, Florida, experienced podiatrist DeAndrea Duffus, DPM, understands that the pain of plantar fasciitis can seriously derail your regular activities. She offers compassionate plantar fasciitis care in the Debray, Florida, office so you can resume your active life soon. Schedule a consultation online or call the office to make an appointment today.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes chronic heel pain. The site of plantar fasciitis, your plantar fascia, is a length of fibrous tissue that connects your heel to your toes.
When you walk, jump, and run, your plantar fascia works as a bowstring, stretching and contracting smoothly to support your foot arch as you move. Unfortunately, the plantar fascia can develop tiny tears as you move, and those tears can grow seriously inflamed over time. This inflammation is called plantar fasciitis.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Sharp heel pain, starting in the back of your foot and moving towards the arch, is the primary symptom of plantar fasciitis.
Most people experience severe heel pain in the early morning or after an extended period of rest. This pain occurs because the plantar fascia shortens as you sleep. Standing and walking stretches the plantar fascia very rapidly, leading to sharp pain.
Am I at risk for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase your chance of developing the condition. These include:
- Age 40-60
- Extra weight
- Exercise stressing the heel
- Routinely standing for long stretches
- High foot arches
- Flatfoot
- Tight calf muscles
Changing the way you exercise can also cause plantar fasciitis. Many athletes develop the condition when they suddenly increase their exercise level. Runners adding significant distance to their regular run are a typical example.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
At Volusia County Podiatry, Dr. Duffus examines your foot and asks about how and when your heel pain occurs. Then, she may use X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other causes of pain or verify the extent of the damage. You may need a gait analysis as part of the diagnostic process.
What is the treatment for plantar fasciitis?
Dr. Duffus typically recommends conservative solutions for plantar fasciitis. Your treatment plan may include:
- Activity changes
- Daily foot exercises
- Night splint
- Taping your foot arch
- Custom orthotics
- Ice packs
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
Dr. Duffus may also recommend other innovative technologies for plantar fasciitis pain relief. 95% of plantar fasciitis cases improve with nonsurgical care; however, in rare cases, plantar fasciitis may require surgery. Dr. Duffus can perform a procedure such as plantar fascia release, which partially disconnects the plantar fascia from your heel to relieve tension.
If you have disruptive heel pain, call Volusia County Podiatry for an evaluation or schedule an appointment online today.
