Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma is highly skilled at diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin at the bottom of our foot. It connects the heel to the front of our foot, and is responsible for supporting the arch of your foot. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel, with approximately 2 million patients being treated for this specific condition each year.

Causes

The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet. But sometimes, too much pressure damages or tears the tissues. The body’s natural response to injury is inflammation, which presents itself as the heel pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis. In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific, identifiable reason. However, many factors that make you more susceptible to the condition. These include:

• Obesity
• High arches
• New or increased activity
• Repetitive impact activity, such as running or playing sports
• Tighter calf muscles that make flexing your foot or bringing your toes toward your shin difficult

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel
• Pain with the first few steps in the morning or after a long period of rest
• Greater pain after (not during) exercise or activity

Treatments

Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Oklahoma offers diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of orthopedic injuries and conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Our team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and athletic trainers are committed to helping patients find relief and return to the highest level of activity possible.

Most patients with plantar fasciitis can utilize simple treatment methods and experience total improvement within 10 months. Surgical treatment is considered after 12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment. After surgery, our physical therapists guide each patient through a personalized rehabilitation program to restore total strength and mobility.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 405-463-4140.