Plantar Fasciitis

Watch the video above to learn about Plantar Fasciitis, and how I approach treating this with my patients. There's also more information below. As always, when you're ready, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation.

For at least 3 years I was battling chronic plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome. I can’t thank Doc enough for taking good care of me. As his peers stated, he is a very precise surgeon whose work is exemplary. – Pat Hargest

Image

If you're experiencing heel pain, oftentimes it's something called plantar fasciitis.
I know because not only have I treated thousands of plantar fasciitis cases, but…

I’ve also had heel pain myself!

My name is Dr. Stewart, and I’ve been in practice for over 14 years. I love playing tennis, skiing, and playing other sports. Plus, I have two kids who I have to be able to keep up with.

I know how uncomfortable it is to have heel pain.

You want to be active, but you can’t, because the pain keeps you from moving normally.

I have some really good news…

We can fix it.

Like I said, I’ve seen THOUSANDS of these cases, and I’ve been able to treat them with success, getting people back on their feet doing the things they love the most.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, get in touch with me now and schedule an appointment.

Schedule a consultation

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when there is repetitive micro-trauma along the plantar fascia. This results in build up of scar tissue and impingement of nerve branches to the heel.

Symptoms

  1. Pain is commonly felt at the origin of the plantar fascia along the inside of the heel and can also be felt in the arch of the foot or less commonly on the outside of the foot
  2. The majority of patients experience pain that is worse 1st thing in the morning or when walking after a period of rest (post-static dyskinesia). The majority of patients experience improvement in their pain once they start walking. A small percentage of patients experience constant pain
  3. The pain is generally sharp or burning in nature and some patients describe it as though their “heel is being stabbed with a knife”

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a comprehensive foot exam by Dr. Stewart along with x-rays of the foot. Imagining studies such as ultrasound and MRI are sometimes required to determine the extent disease to the plantar fascia.

Treatment

Plantar fasciitis generally takes 6-8 weeks to improve and early activity on a healing plantar fascia can result in a set back in recovery. Non-compliance can double the recovery time and can be very frustrating for patients.

Plantar fasciitis is what Dr. Stewart terms a pro-active condition. Although we can never offer a 100% guarantee, the majority of Dr. Stewart’s patients improve with conservative or non-surgical care.

I would absolutely recommend Timonium Foot and Ankle, Dr. Stewart and his staff to anyone. I want to give them all a HUGE Thank You!!! —Ray
Image

Conservative treatment for Plantar Fasciitis includes:

  1. Modification of physical activity including avoidance of walking, jogging, running, and the elliptical machine for exercise; recommended exercises include circuit training, swimming, and bicycling
  2. Stretching exercises with a Theraband and/or against a wall
  3. Use of a plantar fascia night splint; this is a static device that holds the foot at approximately 90° to the leg; this stretches the plantar fascia in order to avoid the common painful 1st few steps in the morning; consistent stretching is one the mainstays of treatment
  4. Therapeutic laser
  5. Weight loss and dieting
  6. Ice to the heel 2-3 times per day for 20 minutes at the area of maximum tenderness. Elevation is recommended while icing
  7. Avoidance of flip-flops, flats, and barefoot walking
  8. Supportive shoe gear including a motion control running shoe such as Brooks, Asics, New Balance, or Saucony; Keen and Merrell style shoes are also recommended
  9. Custom foot orthotics
  10. Physical therapy
  11. Medications including anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), Tylenol, oral steroids, and in some cases narcotic pain medication
  12. Steroid injection therapy
  13. Compression therapy generally with prescription compression stockings
  14. Nerve ablation procedures
  15. Shock wave therapy

If all conservative intervention fails, then surgical intervention maybe required. Dr. Stewart will determine which procedure is best for you.

Surgical treatment for Plantar Fasciitis includes:

  1. Release of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciotomy)
  2. Removal of a portion of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciectomy)
  3. Removal of the bone spur
  4. Decompression of the nerve to the heel
Schedule a consultation