As one of the most common conditions that cause heel pain, plantar fasciitis can afflict just about anyone. From athletes and workers who spend a significant amount of time on their feet to overweight individuals and those with abnormal foot mechanics, just about anyone can suffer from this issue. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heel bone. When this ligament becomes inflamed — known as plantar fasciitis — it can result in pain and even limited mobility, especially in the morning.

At NJ Spine and Wellness, we understand how debilitating plantar fasciitis issues can be, and our doctors can help you Get Better Faster.

We feature clinics throughout the state of New Jersey, including locations in:

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Sometimes, it can come on gradually; other times, it can be the result of missing a step or jumping from a height. In most cases, the heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is worst when you first wake up from sleeping or after extended periods of inactivity.

As the day goes on, you may feel some relief as the plantar fascia warms up and lengthens, but the pain can become worse again with prolonged activity or exercise. Additionally, plantar fasciitis pain can also increase in bare feet or shoes with minimal support. Regardless of your symptoms, you should consult with an NJ Spine and Wellness plantar fasciitis doctor if you feel any pain in or around your heel.

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Sometimes, it can come on gradually; other times, it can be the result of missing a step or jumping from a height. In most cases, the heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is worst when you first wake up from sleeping or after extended periods of inactivity.

As the day goes on, you may feel some relief as the plantar fascia warms up and lengthens, but the pain can become worse again with prolonged activity or exercise. Additionally, plantar fasciitis pain can also increase in bare feet or shoes with minimal support. Regardless of your symptoms, you should consult with an NJ Spine and Wellness plantar fasciitis doctor if you feel any pain in or around your heel.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

If you’re experiencing inflammation and pain in your plantar fascia, it could be caused by a number of reasons, including:

  • A sudden increase in your physical activity level
  • Obesity/overweight individuals
  • Foot shape and/or structure
  • Type of footwear
  • Walking, running, or standing surface

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

In many cases, plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with conservative treatment, like:

Medications

Since plantar fasciitis symptoms are caused by inflammation in the ligament, over-the-counter (OTC) medications like pain relievers like Tylenol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil may help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

Therapies

With stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as using specialized therapeutic devices, you can also help to relieve and treat your plantar fasciitis pain. These include:
Physical therapy: Stretches for your plantar fascia and your Achilles tendon can help you lengthen and strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in these areas.
Orthotics: Your NJ Spine and Wellness doctor may prescribe custom orthotics to treat your plantar fasciitis.
Night splints: A night splint is worn while sleeping and helps to stretch your calf muscles and the arch of your foot.

In particularly adverse cases of plantar fasciitis, more aggressive forms of treatment may be recommended, like:

  • Steroidal injections
  • Ultrasonic therapy
  • Surgery

Your NJ Spine and Wellness plantar fasciitis doctor can discuss your specific condition with you as well as evaluate your treatment options based on your case.

FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis

Do heel spurs feel like plantar fasciitis?

While some heel spurs can be painless and exhibit no adverse symptoms, others can cause significant heel pain and other issues. While they are two distinct conditions — plantar deals with the ligament and heel spurs pertain to calcium deposits around the heel bone — they can both be caused by:

  • Tight calf muscles
  • Weight issues
  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Poor footwear
  • Abnormal walking patterns

How can plantar fasciitis be treated at home?

While ice, rest, massage, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises can help your plantar fasciitis, it’s important to understand what the cause is and how to prevent it. If you’re still experiencing pain due to plantar issues, speak with one of our specialists today for a personalized treatment plan.

Can plantar fasciitis be corrected with surgery?

The short answer is yes — plantar fasciitis can be treated with surgery. However, most cases can be addressed with conservative treatments like physical therapy and OTC medications.

Contact Us Today to Get Better Faster

For more information on plantar fasciitis symptoms and treatments, contact an NJ Spine and Health doctor today. We can discuss your specific case, lifestyle, and other contributing factors to determine a treatment plan that’s customized just for you. What are you waiting for? Contact us right now to schedule a consultation at one of our facilities in East Brunswick, Freehold, Matawan, or Old Bridge, NJ. Let us help you Get Better Faster.