Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
Simple, Effective Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Plantar fasciitis (fah-she-EYE-tis) is one of the most common conditions seen by the foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons at Aurora Health Care. Fortunately, the treatment of plantar fasciitis is often simple and effective.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of dense connective tissue that attaches to the heel bone, runs through the arch and out to the toes. The purpose of this tissue is to help stabilize the foot and support the arches. The fascia stretches during weight bearing, standing and toe extension. Problems occur when the tension placed on this structure exceeds its ability to stretch and the facia becomes inflamed or irritated.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Burning pain on the sole of the foot
- Heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning
- Tenderness when touching the sole or heel
- Pain when standing on tiptoe
While the condition is often extremely painful, there are a number of non-surgical options for effectively treating plantar fasciitis. Night splints, anti-inflammatory creams and shoe inserts can help to alleviate the pain for some sufferers. Many of our plantar fasciitis patients find relief by combining physical therapy with simple stretching techniques that can be done at home.
Surgery is rarely recommended as a treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can be performed to cut the tight, swollen fascia, but in doing so, puts increased stress on other parts of the plantar facia.
Learn about the treatment of this disease by viewing a plantar fasciitis video.
