Plantar Fasciitis
Is heel pain stopping you from doing activities you love? Do you wake up in the morning with a stinging pain in your foot?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain, but it can be easily treated.
Our orthopaedic specialists in Austin, TX, can diagnose and treat your plantar fasciitis using the very latest techniques...
Plantar Fasciitis What Is it?
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Your plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. If you develop plantar fasciitis, these tissues become inflamed. In other, more severe cases, tiny tears may develop in the fascia.
The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis
The first symptom of plantar fasciitis is typically mild heel pain, especially after exercising. As the condition worsens, the pain worsens, and more symptoms arise.
Stabbing Pain
Many people suffering from plantar fasciitis will feel a stabbing pain near their heels. This pain is typically worse right when you get out of bed in the morning or after you have been sitting for a long period of time.
Pain After Exercising
You will notice mild pain after exercising. As the condition advances, the pain will grow worse and can turn into stabbing or stinging pain.
Stiffness, Tenderness, and Swelling
As plantar fasciitis continues to go untreated, you will start to notice stiffness, tenderness, and even swelling. This is especially true in the mornings or after long periods of sitting.
The Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is most likely to affect women between the ages of 40 and 60. However, other factors can increase your risk for developing this condition:
Exercises that cause repetitive impacts on your feet, such as running or dancing, put added strain on your plantar fascia.
Being overweight or having a sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy, puts added stress on your plantar fascia.
Extremely high or flat arches put added stress on your plantar fascia.
Wearing shoes with little to no arch support, especially when you already have high or flat arches, can damage your plantar fascia over time.
Careers that require you to be on your feet for extended periods can put added stress on your plantar fascia and can even cause micro-tears.
Suffering From Heel Pain? Call Our Austin, TX, Office Today
If foot or heel pain is stopping you from doing activities you enjoy, you might be suffering from plantar fasciitis. The faster you can receive treatment, the quicker you can achieve relief. All our doctors are board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists, so you can be sure you're getting the most effective treatment. Contact our Austin, TX, office today to schedule an appointment.
512-476-2830
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Maureen Marcum
2020
At my first visit, I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. I didn't wait long to see the doctor. He gave me a lot of helpful information that I wasn't told before my by last doctor. A great experience!
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2020
Excellent doctors and staff. Very responsive and knowledgeable from intro appointments throughout my experiences.
View On GoogleWhy It's Important To Diagnose Your Heel Pain
While plantar fasciitis is common, pain in your foot or heel could be caused by a variety of factors. Stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, or heel spurs can all cause similar forms of pain in your heel and foot. Correctly diagnosing the source of your pain can help you get the most effective form of treatment. Our orthopaedic specialists in Austin, TX, can properly diagnose and treat your heel pain so you can once again perform your daily activities and exercises pain-free.
Heel Spur vs. Plantar Fasciitis What's the Difference?
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can be difficult to tell apart. Both cause pain in the same area, so it is important to get your heel pain checked by a board-certified orthopaedic doctor.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcified deposits that grow on your heel. They are often painless, but when they do cause pain, it is similar to plantar fasciitis. A heel spur can extend as much as half an inch forward, but it is not visible to the naked eye, so x-rays are required to make a diagnosis.
Plantar Fasciitis
Your plantar fascia runs underneath where heel spurs tend to grow, which is why the cause of your pain can be confused. A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is usually done through a physical exam and discussion of medical and occupational history. However, x-rays may be taken to rule out other causes.
Non-surgical Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a highly treatable condition. In most cases, you can make a full recovery with non-invasive therapies.
Physical Therapy
Stretching is the most common treatment for plantar fasciitis. Your physical therapist will work with you to stretch your plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon to help reduce the tension that is causing you pain. We work with several outstanding physical therapists who can prescribe an exercise regimen that is specific to you and your discomfort. Often, we will combine physical therapy with other treatment methods.
Night Splints
A night splint will stretch your calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia while you sleep. The night splint is a great addition to physical therapy as it continues to gently and effortlessly stretch the plantar fascia at home.
Orthotics
Orthotics are specially made inserts for your shoes. Your physician will take into account whether you have high arches or flat feet when prescribing your orthotics. These inserts are used to redistribute pressure on your feet, add arch support, and ease any inflammation of your plantar fascia.
Steroids
A steroid injection may be used to alleviate severe inflammation or pain. We will typically administer only one injection as multiple rounds can weaken or damage your plantar fascia.
Why Choose Us For Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?
We will provide a treatment plan that integrates our conservative philosophy of utilizing the least invasive options for the quickest recovery possible. Our doctors in Austin, TX, are specialists who work exclusively within their areas of expertise. As our patient, you can benefit from treatment by an expert focused on your specific needs. If you are suffering from symptoms of plantar fasciitis, our doctors can restore your comfort and ability to exercise comfortably. Stop suffering from foot and heel pain. Call our Austin, TX, office today to book your appointment and learn more about our effective treatment options.
512-476-2830
"Very Happy With the Service and Care Provided"
Mark Ammerman
2020
It doesn’t get much better! The Austin soccer world loves him.
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Clark Hill
2020
Very friendly. Attentive. Answered all my questions.
Very happy with the service and care provided.
What if Noninvasive Treatment Didn't Work For Me?
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If your chronic pain is not alleviated by conservative treatments like night splints, orthotics, and physical therapy, we may suggest plantar fasciitis release surgery. This surgery cuts the band of tissues of your plantar fascia to release the tension and relieve inflammation.
Am I a Good Candidate For Plantar Fasciitis Release Surgery?
Surgery is considered a last resort, but sometimes it can be necessary. You may be a good candidate for this surgery if:
You still suffer from chronic foot and heel pain after trying other non-invasive methods.
Your pain has lasted for over six months while trying other, more conservative treatments.
Your pain is affecting your ability to perform daily activities and exercises.
Your pain is affecting the way you walk.
Your pain is interfering with your ability to work.
You do not suffer from underlying health issues such as diabetes.
Plantar Fasciitis Release Surgery What to Expect
If we have tried everything else and you still suffer from chronic pain, we can perform plantar fasciitis release surgery to alleviate your symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis release surgery can be performed endoscopically or through open surgery.
Are There Side Effects To Plantar Fascia Release Surgery?
There are always risks involved in any surgery, and plantar fascia release is no exception. Generally, you will experience some discomfort or pain for the days following your surgery. This is normal and should subside within a few days or weeks. You should reach out to your doctor if you are experiencing worsening pain or if you notice any signs of infection.
If Conventional Methods Haven't Worked for You Call Our Austin, TX, Office Today
If you've tried non-invasive treatments and are still suffering from chronic heel pain, call us to learn more about all of your options. We may suggest a single treatment or a combination of non-invasive treatments you haven't tried. If nothing has worked, we can perform your plantar fascia release surgery to get you back to living pain-free. Only a certified orthopaedic specialist will know what treatment plan will be best for you and your symptoms. Contact our Austin office today to schedule your appointment.
512-476-2830
"Great Staff and Professional Service"
Tom loftus
2020
First class Great staff and professional service. I had knee replacement and was in and out in no time. Very successful surgery and quick recovery time.
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Heather Clements
2020
Thank u thank u thank u from the 1st day I came in to now both hips replaced, they took very good care of me!!!
View On GoogleSurgery Aftercare
Your post-op instructions will depend on which type of surgery you had. For both types, your doctor may prescribe you pain medications or recommend over-the-counter meds.
You may be required to wear a special shoe or walking boot for several weeks after your surgery. This helps your foot stay protected while it heals and alleviates the weight from walking. You will have a small scar where the 1-2 inch incision was made after the sutures are removed. You can begin wearing normal shoes when your doctor gives the ok, but full recovery typically takes between 6-10 weeks.
This type has a quicker recovery period and you should be able to bear limited weight almost immediately after surgery. Rather than being put in a cast or a boot, you can wear regular shoes within 1-2 days post-operation. Since the incisions are less than half an inch long, your scars will be very small. You'll be advised on what activities to avoid following your surgery, but full recovery typically only takes between 3-6 weeks.
Activities To Do at Home To Prevent or Alleviate Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Whether you are receiving non-invasive treatment, no treatment at all, or if you just finished your recovery from surgery, there are things you can do at home to help you prevent plantar fasciitis symptoms:
Stretch
Stretching is the most effective non-invasive treatment of plantar fasciitis. Continuing to stretch your calf muscles, foot, and ankle can help prevent plantar fasciitis from developing or worsening.
Take a Break
If you have more pain while performing a particular activity, take a break from that activity to give your plantar fascia time to heal. Switch out running with a low-impact exercise like swimming until you no longer have pain.
Ice
While this doesn't fix the problem, ice can help keep the inflammation down. If you are starting to have heel pain, try icing your foot for 20 minutes four times a day. Keeping the swelling down is important for your plantar fascia to heal.
Arch Support
Continuing to wear arch supports that are specific to your foot is important in preventing plantar fasciitis from recurring. Having proper support for your arch alleviates tension in your plantar fascia. This is especially important for people who have high arches or flat feet.
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2021
... I have been recovering well so far and I can’t thank Dr. Seade and his team enough for their care over the last year. My career requires me to have use of my shoulders and I didn’t know what I was going to do if the pain or ROM never got better. Thank you, Dr. Seade and co. Thank you x like 1,000.
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2021
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