Plantar Fasciitis

x-ray image of a foot

About 90 percent of people will recover from plantar fasciitis within a few months following conservative treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common explanations of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation to the thick band that connects the toes to the heel bone, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot. The condition is most commonly seen in runners, pregnant women, overweight people, and individuals who wear inadequately supporting shoes. Plantar fasciitis typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 70.

Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes a stabbing pain in the heel of the foot, which is worse during the first few steps of the day after awakening. As you continue to walk on the affected foot, the pain gradually lessens. Usually, only one foot is affected, but it can occur in both feet simultaneously.

Diagnosis

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your doctor will physically examine your foot by testing your reflexes, balance, coordination, muscle strength, and muscle tone. Your doctor may also advise a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray to rule out other others sources of your pain, such as a pinched nerve, stress fracture, or bone spur.

Treatment

Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes chiropractic care, medication, physical therapy, shock wave therapy, or surgery.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are used to treat the inflammation and pain of plantar fasciitis, but they won't cure the condition. Corticosteroids can also be used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids are applied either as a topical solution in conjunction with a non-painful electric current or through injections to the affected area.

Physical Therapy

Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are recommend to relieve pain and aid in the healing process. Sometimes application of athletic tape is recommended. In moderate or severe cases of plantar fasciitis, your doctor may recommend you wearing a night splint, which will stretch the arch of your foot and calf while you sleep. This helps to lengthen the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia for symptom relief. Depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis, your physician may prescribe a store-bought orthotic (arch support) or custom-fitted orthotic to help distribute your foot pressure more evenly.

Surgery and Other Procedures

When more conservative methods have failed to reduce plantar fasciitis pain, your doctor may suggest extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which is used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing, but may cause bruises, numbness, tingling, swelling, and pain. When all else fails, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Few people need surgery to treat the condition.

Home Remedies

Stretching your plantar fasciitis is something you can do at home to relieve pain and speed healing. Ice massage performed three to four times per day in 15 to 20 minute intervals is also something you can do to reduce inflammation and pain. Placing arch supports in your shoes absorbs shock and takes pressure off the plantar fascia.

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I endorse Dr. Gabay to be among the best in the medical community. Being a member of the 2010 Olympic bobsled team I received treatment from hundreds of chiropractors over my athletic career. I believe Dr. Gabay is among the best with his unique blending of knowledge and treatment styles. Dr Gabay is the type of doctor that sets his goals to treat the underlying problem, not just treat the symptoms that it creates. His friendly personality and treatment philosophy have inspired me to gear my academics toward the field of chiropractic medicine."
    John Napier 2010 Olympian OEF Army Veteran
  • "Dr Gabay has helped me more than once, go from extreme pain, to pain free. I first went to him with very bad sciatic pain. I couldn't sit in a chair, any chair. After a few visits, I all of a sudden realized that the pain was gone. I kept going for quite a while until things were really 'straightened out'. I would recommend him to anyone (and have) who needs a chiropractor. When I first went, I had never been to a chiropractor, and of course had heard lots of 'horror stories'. I now know that there really are good chiropractors, who can help relieve pain WITHOUT drugs.... and Dr. David Gabay is one, for sure!"
    Cathy Taylor