Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dr. Todd Mann and Dr. Kyle Gleeson at AHP Foot and Wound Care Specialists offer exceptional podiatric care for plantar fasciitis and other foot-related conditions in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.

What Kind of Condition Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common podiatric condition usually affecting patients over the age of 40, although some patients may be younger. This inflammatory condition affects the plantar fascia, an important fibrous tissue that runs along the underside of your foot. Its function is to assist with walking and support the arch of the foot.

What Are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

 Patients develop plantar fasciitis for various reasons including:

• Underlying podiatric conditions that are structural, like fallen arches or flat feet
• Sudden and increased physical activity
• Aging accompanied by general wear and tear
• Inadequate or ill-fitting footwear
• Carrying excess weight
• Calf tightness increasing tension on the plantar fascia
• Certain chronic conditions

What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

 The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain. It may come on gradually and worsen over time or occur suddenly. Sudden pain from plantar fasciitis usually happens after placing sudden and unexpected pressure on the feet, such as bringing your foot down too hard or jumping from a high place.

Likewise, patients with plantar fasciitis often report more pain after long periods of inactivity, and the pain may improve with gentle movement. However, it may worsen again after more sustained activity.

The pain is usually on the underside of the foot and in front of the heel, and is worse when you aren’t wearing shoes.  When a podiatrist like Dr. Mann or Dr. Gleeson at the AHP Foot and Wound Care Specialists in the Indianapolis, Indiana area examines a patient, they will conduct a complete evaluation to rule out conditions with similar symptoms and check the structure of your foot.

What Are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?

 Plantar fasciitis is treatable, but recovery takes time. The treatment is normally conservative and will include solutions that will suit your individual needs, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Rest and ice
• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
• Orthotic devices and supportive footwear with inserts
• Crutches to help rest the foot

 In more severe cases or if conservative treatment isn’t helping, your podiatrist may recommend interventions like:

• Surgery
• Botox
• Steroidal injections
• Laser therapy

Contact Information

Dr. Mann and Dr. Gleeson are exceptional and compassionate podiatrists based at AHP Foot and Wound Care Specialists in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Call us now at (317) 218-4095 or look up availability here to schedule an appointment for plantar fasciitis so that we can put the spring back in your step.