Do You Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Your feet hurt along the arch and heel when you walk or take a run. To uncover the problem and treat it, consult the experts at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Turnersville and Pennsauken, NJ. Often it is plantar fasciitis, and he'll prescribe simple treatment modalities to help you manage it. You can function and feel much better!

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue running along the arch of the foot between the heel bone and the toes. It provides substantial support to your foot particularly when you are in motion.

Nearly two million people have plantar fasciitis, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), and frequently, the condition is associated with overpronation, a defect in how you place your feet on the ground and on factors such as:

• Obesity
• Repetitive motion, such as jumping or running
• A high arch structure

How your podiatrist can help

At Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Turnersville and Pennsauken, your podiatrist will examine your foot, take digital X-rays and/or an MRI and watch how you walk (gait analysis). This information, along with a review of your symptoms, can confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

Your prescribed treatment can vary, but likely, it will be simple and non-invasive. Surgery is rarely used unless severe symptoms continue for more than one year, states the AAOS.

Most care plans include some of the following:

• Stretching exercises, particularly for the calf muscle and arch of the foot
• Shoe orthotics, customized inserts, to correct gait issues
• Rest
• Ice
• Elevation as needed
• Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation
• Night splints
• Supportive shoes with thick soles

While many people with plantar fasciitis also have spurs off the front of the heel bone, podiatrists typically do not remove these small bony projections.

Don't suffer with foot pain

You can be on your feet and return to your normal activities when you receive care for your plantar fasciitis at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists. Call one of our two office for an appointment. In Turnersville, phone (856) 875-8855, or for the Pennsauken location, call (856) 488-5290.