Plantar Fasciitis
Comprehensive diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and treatment options
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, resulting from inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia—a strong band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Though often gradual in onset, early expert care ensures rapid relief and prevents chronic discomfort.
Symptoms
- Sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after prolonged standing or walking
- Tenderness along the inner aspect of the heel
- Discomfort that eases with movement but returns after rest
- Mild swelling or stiffness in the heel region
Causes
- Overuse or repetitive stress on the foot
- Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
- Foot structure variations such as flat feet or high arches
- Inappropriate or unsupportive footwear
Treatment Options
Treatment is personalized and predominantly non-surgical.
Non-Surgical Management
Activity modification and custom orthotics
Targeted stretching and strengthening programs like gastrocnemius stretching, plantar fascia stretch
Anti-inflammatory measures and shockwave therapy
Supportive footwear recommendations
Advanced Interventions
For persistent cases:
Image-guided injections
Minimally invasive procedures to stimulate healing