What causes plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a long band of connective tissue that runs along the arch of the foot. It is designed to stretch out and bounce right back into place, much like a rubber band. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, however, it leads to chronic foot and heel pain.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Flat feet
- Heel spurs
- Being overweight
- Long-distance running
- Other athletics
Simply standing on one’s feet for work all day can lead to plantar fasciitis; standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended hours can cause serious plantar fascia discomfort.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. This discomfort, inflammation, and throbbing typically isn’t constant throughout the day, however. Plantar fasciitis pain tends to flare upon standing following extended periods of rest.
This is why plantar fasciitis discomfort is usually worse first thing in the morning, or when getting up from an office chair after several hours. Plantar fasciitis can flare-up due to exercise as well, and often comes on right after physical activity.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Treating plantar fasciitis often involves a comprehensive treatment plan that provides arch support and stretching the plantar fascia, helping to relieve heel pain and discomfort. In most cases, Dr. Rubenstein may recommend one or more of the following:
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
Most patients report feeling relief shortly after beginning these conservative therapies. For the convenience of his patients, Dr. Rubenstein has a shock wave therapy machine in his office. Shockwave therapy or ESWT is a non-invasive, non-painful way of treating the discomfort long term.
Dr. Rubenstein can perform minimally invasive plantar fasciitis surgery for severe cases if more conservative treatments are not effective. This procedure involves gently releasing the plantar fascia to relieve tension and stress on the connective tissue.
Schedule a plantar fasciitis evaluation at the office of Dr. Scott Rubenstein today by using online booking or call the office directly at 212-674-1120.
