Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treated Near Farmingdale, NJ
A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the art of the foot (plantar fascia) becomes irritated and inflamed. Although the plantar fascia is designed to sustain the considerable stresses of walking, running, and other daily activities, excessive pressure or overuse can cause it to tear. In response, the body’s immune system may activate and send inflammatory cells to the injury site to help heal the damaged tissues, which can cause painful swelling.
If you are experiencing heel pain, you can consult with an experienced foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute near Farmingdale, New Jersey. An accurate diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is important because other conditions can produce similar symptoms but may require a different treatment approach. These include arthritis, Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, entrapped nerves, heel stress fractures, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
What Can Be Done for Plantar Fasciitis?
Before discussing treatment options, your physician at AOSMI will ask about your symptoms and examine your painful foot. Specifically, they will check for telltale signs of plantar fasciitis, including:
- A high arch or flat foot
- Tenderness on the bottom of your foot near your heel bone
- Limited upward motion (dorsiflexion) in your ankle
Your physician may also order imaging studies to rule out fractures and bone spurs.
If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, your physician at AOSMI will suggest a personalized treatment plan to help you recover, which may include manually stretching your plantar fascia and wearing a night splint to further stretch the ligament while you sleep. If necessary, we can provide customized orthotics to reduce excessive pronation (the natural inward or outward roll of your foot with every heel strike). We may also recommend supportive footwear with cushioned insoles to relieve pressure on your feet. Usually, plantar fasciitis responds well to conservative treatment and surgery is unnecessary.
If you would like to explore your treatment options for heel pain with an orthopedic specialist at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our comprehensive sports medicine center near Farmingdale, NJ.
