Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the long, weblike ligament that goes from the heel bone to the toes. Your plantar fascia absorbs the shock generated when you walk, run, jump, and climb. 

When the plantar fascia has to bear extra pressure, however, it can fray or develop tiny tears. This causes inflammation and serious heel pain. 

Often described as a stabbing pain near the heel, plantar fasciitis happens sporadically and is usually worse first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis usually develops because of one or more factors: 

• Significant weight gain
• Increasing activity level too much too soon
• Overuse, often in athletes and dancers
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Flat feet or fallen arches

Women are about 2½ times more likely to experience plantar fasciitis than men. It’s most common at ages 40-60. 

I have plantar fasciitis. What are my treatment options? 

At the office of Dr. Daniel Geller, the team typically treats plantar fasciitis with conservative options first, such as:

Shoe Gear Changes

Shoe gear changes involve swapping your current footwear for shoes that provide better support for your plantar fascia. Dr. Geller created Kane Footwear, a line of premium-quality shoes made for athletic recovery and repair. 

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are personalized shoe inserts that stabilize the foot and ankle into the ideal anatomically efficient position.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections are ultrasound-guided injections of an anti-inflammatory steroid that quickly reduces inflammation and pain. 

Botox® injections

Botox injections halt the nerve signaling that causes plantar fasciitis pain. It keeps the muscles around the plantar fascia relaxed, which also helps prevent discomfort. 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy involves sending controlled acoustic energy pulses into the heel area. This triggers a healing response from your body, and the restoration of the plantar fascia tames your pain. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP injections contain highly concentrated platelets and powerful growth factors from your blood. Using ultrasound guidance, the injections are placed in the area of your plantar fascia that needs healing. PRP stimulates healing and reduces inflammation, which ultimately relieves your pain. 

After treatments, you typically wear a CAM (controlled action motion) walker, or walking boot, for around two weeks, giving your plantar fascia time to start healing. 

In severe cases, the team may recommend surgery, which involves a small cut in the plantar fascia to relieve tension. 

If you have stabbing heel pain, don’t wait — call the office of Dr. Daniel Geller or book an appointment online today.