Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue 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. Also called "heel spur syndrome," the condition can usually be successfully treated with conservative measures such as use of anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.
There are many treatments for plantar fasciitis.
l. First determine that it is plantar fasciitis and not tarsal tunnel syndrome or bursitis or neuritits
2. Stretching exercises (see instructions and video in Exercises folder)
3. Shoes with thicker heel and hard heel counter on shoe
4, Anti inflammatory medication and injections
5. Orthotics: custom have been proven to give more and longer lasting relief than over the counter arch supports
6. Physical therapy; ultrasound, interferential, stretching and massage and ice therapy
For resistant, stubborn, "won''t give up" plantar fasciits, two other treatments are offered:
l. Shockwave: one treatment, non surgical; 70-90% success rate
2. Koby Isogard procedure: half inch incision: 98% success rate; fast recovery
See more information in shockwave and Koby tabs under Heel Pain folder
