Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (Chronic Heel Pain) at Encino Orthopedics

If you experience chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis is a likely culprit. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes, effectively supporting the arch of the foot. When plantar strain occurs, it may cause weakness, instability, swelling, and tenderness on the bottom of the foot, instigating heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis develops as the result of stress and overuse, creating small tears in the ligament that because more sensitive and/or serious as time progresses and pressure continues to be applied to the food. High arches or flat feet, repeated walking or running movement on hard surfaces, being overweight, wearing improperly fitted shoes, and inwardly centered feet are all instigators and possible explanations of plantar fasciitis. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis may appear to improve after a few steps or a warm-up period, but can be triggered or experienced again by standing for long periods of time or by the end of the day.

To diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis, at Encino Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Reisch will assess your foot pain symptoms, you level of physical activity, and other extenuating factors before determining the proper course of treatments. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-Ray may be ordered to assess the extent of the plantar fasciitis. Non-surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis include: rest, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, stretching and strengthening exercises, and proper footwear. If the pain of plantar fasciitis persists despite non-surgical treatment, Dr. Reisch may suggest alternate treatment to address your symptoms.