Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the connective tissue that protects the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. It causes discomfort in the heel and bottom of the foot, which is typically worse first thing in the morning or after a period of rest. Bending the foot and toes up towards the shin is also a common cause of pain. In around one-third of cases, the pain develops progressively and affects both feet.
The discomfort is usually felt on the inside edge of the heel and is aggravated by taking the first move in the morning. The pain will usually improve with movement, but it will return after periods of rest (sleeping or sitting for long periods). Excessive weight bearing movements, as well as walking barefoot or in shoes without arch support, are all known to cause discomfort (like flip flops or sandals). Plantar fasciitis pain is not usually associated with a pop or bruising on the underside of the foot, nor does it wake you up at night. A plantar fascia breakup or a stress fracture in the heel may cause these symptoms.
Stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as the use of special equipment, will help to alleviate symptoms. They are as follows:
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!