Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

A common symptom pattern is known as post-static dyskinesia, where the pain seems to be at its worst when you first get out of bed in the morning, also when you stand up after being seated (or driving) for a while.

Also known as  heel spur syndrome , the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.  In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain. There are also newer treatments such as a percutaneous plantar fasciotomy with injection of amniotic tissue which has shown a great deal of promise in relieving stubborn cases of plantar fasciitis.

In most cases, we can relieve much of the pain quickly, so you can get back to performing all of your regular daily activities comfortably and as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that there are many other causes of heel pain.  Achilles tendonitis occurs ontheback of the heel.  Active children often sustain a mild injury to the growth plate of their heel bone known as calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s Disease.  Other injuries and arthrotic problem can also manifest as heel pain, so a complete professional examination is the best way to begin the process of eliminating your pain.