A common cause of heel pain in active individuals, plantar fasciitis is an irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia. This strong band of tissue (ligament) stretches along the bottom of the foot to connect the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but people who spend a lot of time on their feet are particularly at risk. In addition to long-distance runners, backpackers, dancers, and other athletes, the condition often affects nurses, teachers, servers, and industrial workers.

Why Does Your Heel Hurt?

If you have heel pain that is making it difficult for you to walk, it’s important to find out what’s going on. If you have an inflamed plantar fascia and it is strained through continued activity, micro-tears may develop in the ligament. In response, your body may produce a protective bony deposit (heel spur) on the underside of your heel bone, which could press on soft tissues and cause more pain. For the reliable answers you need and deserve, turn to Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where you can talk with an experienced foot and ankle doctor.

Unlike many other foot conditions, plantar fasciitis can usually be diagnosed based on a physical examination alone. However, your physician may order an imaging test to determine whether another issue, such as a heel spur, is contributing to your pain.

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

Rest and other conservative measures can be effective for managing the pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. Some options include:

• Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Custom orthotic shoe inserts
• Overnight bracing
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

While surgical treatment is usually unnecessary for plantar fasciitis, your physician may suggest it if you have debilitating pain that does not improve with nonsurgical therapy. For instance, if necessary to relieve your discomfort, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Premier Bone & Joint Centers can relieve some of the tension in your foot by detaching your inflamed plantar fascia from your heel bone.

The experienced and compassionate team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers treats a variety of common and complex foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis. For more information or to schedule an appointment at our satellite clinic in Rock Springs, WY, contact us today.