If you have not experienced plantar fasciitis, consider yourself lucky. It is a very common condition that affects one in 10 people during their lifetime. Plantar fasciitis is common among athletic people, but also impacts people that are more sedentary. It is the most common reason we see for pain in the bottom of the heel.

Symptoms

Patients have described their pain ranging from mild to intense. Symptoms vary among patients but typically include the following:

• Increased pain after activity or exercise
• Painful steps after getting out of bed or longer periods of rest (being off your feet)
• Pain is typically focused on the bottom of the foot, near the heel

Risk Factors

While many people have developed plantar fasciitis without an obvious cause, there are a few risk factors that make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Your age plays a role as it is very common in people between the ages of 40 and 60
• Long distance runners or people that put great strain on their feet like dancers are more likely to develop plantarfasciitis
• Obese people develop this condition more often because of the increased stress placed on their feet
• Your occupation can play as role as well…people that spend hours on their feet like teachers and construction workers are at greater risk

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

The standard diagnosis includes a physical exam where your doctor checks for tenderness. The location of pain is important in diagnosing plantar fasciitis. Medical imaging is not typically needed to diagnose plantar fasciitis but may be used to rule out any secondary reasons for your pain.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Many patients respond well to pain relievers such as Advil or Aleve to relieve the pain and inflammation caused by this condition. There are also other options available like physical therapy, orthotics, or night splints. In some cases your doctor may even recommend you wear a walking boot or cast to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.  A corticosteroid injection may also be helpful in severe cases. Over 99% of patients improve and are successfully treated without surgery.

Surgical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

When nothing else relieves the pain, surgery becomes an option. This is typically seen in the most severe cases where nonsurgical options fail to provide long-term relief.

There are two common procedures used:

1. Plantarfascia release where the surgeon partially detaches the plantar fascia ligament to relieve the pressure.
2. Gastrocnemius recession which involves a surgical lengthening of the calf. The purpose is to reduce the calf muscle tightness thereby increasing mobility.

Find a Plantar Fasciitis Expert in Boise

This condition can be debilitating if left untreated. While it may seem minor in nature, the impact it has on your life can become significant. When you no longer do the things you enjoy because of the pain, it is time to seek professional help. The Flint Foot and Ankle Institute helps patients with nonsurgical and surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis. Call our office today at 208-957-5029 to schedule an appointment.