Avoid Chronic Plantar Fasciitis with Early Treatment

When you have heel pain, a small problem can become chronic plantar fasciitis if you don’t seek early treatment. But what is plantar fasciitis? And what are your treatment options? Let’s take a closer look!

What is plantar fasciitis?

This term describes inflammation of the plantar fascia. (That’s the thick band of tissue at the bottom of the foot, running between the heel and toes. It supports your arch.)  Now, for many, it’s  a ‘vexing problem,” at least that’s how Naven Duggal, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, describes the condition. That was certainly the case for Tiger Woods, who was forced to withdraw from the 2023 golf Masters‘ competition on its final day due to chronic plantar fasciitis pain.

While we don’t know the exact reason why some people get this form of heel pain, we do have some clues. Now, for Woods, the condition seems to be related to a 2021 car accident. Yet, for those who aren’t recovering from trauma, obesity, poor footwear and anatomical features can all be part of the problem. Recently, NBA star Damian Lillard decided to address one cause of heel pain.

Himself a past sufferer, Lillard created a new company for insoles, called Move. These shoe inserts are supposed to absorb the shock of basketball, and help reduce sports injuries including heel pain and stress fractures. While not as effective as custom orthotics, these may be a great in-between option for active athletes.

Causes and Treatment Options

As we mentioned earlier, plantar fasciitis is a form of heel and arch pain caused by inflammation of the connective tissues that run along the bottom of the foot. Many factors can contribute to this condition, including:

• Ill-fitting shoes
• Weight change
• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation

Treatment to Prevent Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis pain gets progressively worse if you don’t treat the condition. Soon, you’re facing chronic discomfort. And the pain will be much worse than it was when you first noticed a problem. Treatment options include:

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical rehabilitation, orthotic devices.
• Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where you experience pain.  Requires multiple sessions.  This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
• Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia.  This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.

If you experience significant pain in your heels or the ball of your foot, where the plantar fascia is, then we recommend seeking the care of our team of podiatrists at Louetta Foot and Ankle Specialists, P.A.

With offices in Spring and Tomball, TX, we offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries. So schedule your appointment today, while pain is temporary, and before you develop chronic plantar fasciitis.