Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the dense tissue on the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that supports the natural arch of the foot and extends from the heel bone to the toes.
The plantar fascia normally tightens as the foot carries weight, but if it is overstretched or overused, walking becomes extremely painful.
Plantar fasciitis is a disease that may affect one or both feet at the same time and is caused by constant stress or undue strain on the plantar fascia tendon, which causes minor tears in the tendon and inflammation.
Gentle stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, weight loss, taping, arch support, and heel lifts are all part of the initial care. Physiotherapy can be recommended in difficult situations. Myofascial release and scar tissue breakdown of the plantar fascia, as well as controlled stretching, are also part of physiotherapy. Strengthening the calf muscles and the small muscles of the foot is important. Be mindful that this can cause soreness at first, but perseverance can pay off.
It’s essential to wear shoes that are both supportive and stable. Open-back shoes, sandals, ‘flip-flops,’ and other shoes with no elevated heels should be avoided by patients. Plantar fasciitis and other foot and lower limb issues may be helped by a podiatrist.
Stretching the plantar fascia ligament when alternately stretching the calves is the safest remedy for plantar fasciitis. If you have access to a gym, you can intensify this stretch by using a leg press machine to extend your stretch even more. This exercise can be taught to you by your physical therapist. After one or two stretching sessions, the majority of people notice significant changes.
Plantar fasciitis may be treated surgically in a limited number of people. Before considering surgery, the doctor will most likely pursue nonsurgical medications or rehab for at least six months.
The following are the most common forms of plantar fasciitis surgery:
It takes time to recover from overuse injuries. To stop long-term discomfort and disability, take care of your feet when they get irritated.
As you know, the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of this tissue, which can cause a stabbing pain usually felt at the heel. Dr. Chen sees patients with plantar fasciitis at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com