Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Pain Treatment

The discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis and heel pain is normally located in the center of the arch extending to the heel. The pain can occur on either one or both feet and generally occurs with the first step in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. Sometimes when x-rays are taken they a show a heel spur. Successful treatment involves supporting the arch area with custom made orthotics and possibly injections.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

There are many causes of plantar fasciitis and heel pain, including: injury, overuse, participation in activities that you are not used to, and wearing the wrong type of shoes. As we walk, we put stress on the foot causing it to flatten, this causes the fascia—which is a very dense ligament running from the front of the foot to the heel area—to be strained, which is causing it to pull on the heel bone. It narrows at the insertion in the heel where the greatest stress occurs, thus causing pain. Sometimes an inflammation to the nerve on the heel can also cause shooting pain.

Treatment Options

The first line of treatment begins with new supportive shoes and possibly an OTC arch support. You can also stretch the fascia by rolling a tennis ball under the area, although this is sometimes hard to do correctly. The use of oral anti-inflammatories can also be used to reduce soreness. If your pain persists please make an appointment to see me in our office. You will most likely need a custom made orthotic (made from a plaster, non-weight bearing cast of your feet) that gives support to the plantar fascia. Orthotics can be made for sport or dress shoes. We sometimes have to consider using a mild steroid injection to reduce the inflammation to the area.

Helping Thousands of Patients with Plantar

Fasciitis and Heel Pain Dr. Thomas Bembynista has offices in Overland Park, Independence and in Kansas City on Barry Road, north of the river and south Kansas City. We have helped thousands of patients with plantar fasciitis and heel pain in the over 30 years of our practice. Call our main number at 816-461-7755 for an appointment or go to our website at www.kcfootcare.com.