Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse injury affecting the sole of the foot. It is characterized by severe pain in the heel of the foot due to inflammation of the band of tissue (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes.
Untreated, the condition can hinder physical activity and produce additional symptoms in the knee, hip and back.
Marshfield Clinic has clinical experts trained in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.
Treatments
In most cases, your doctor will recommend non-surgical procedures for Plantar Fasciitis including:
Non-surgical treatments
- Resting the foot, combined with application of ice can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can lessen symptoms.
- An at-home program of exercises designed to flex and stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can reduce the chance of recurrence of the condition.
- A steroidal anti-inflammatory injection to the heel may be considered if a plan of rest and exercise proves to be ineffective.
Assistance Devices
Shoes with shock-absorbing heels and/or orthotic inserts with a rubber heal pad can provide additional support and reduce symptoms.
If pain continues your doctor may recommend the use of a walking cast or a positional splint to be worn while sleeping.
Surgery
When non-surgical options prove unsuccessful, your doctor may suggest a surgical approach to release the ligament.