Plantar Fasciitis

"Wonderful! Staff and physician are very friendly, efficient and effective. I used another podiatrist before, am so glad I found Dr. V! His approach and methods are a breath of fresh air!"

WILLIAM D. | MAY 20, 2023

Plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, can develop due to multiple factors like ill-fitted shoes, increased activity levels, or your foot’s natural structure. Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Ryan Vazales, DPM, DABFAS, FACFAS, diagnoses and treats plantar fasciitis with evidence-based care at Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia in Glen Allen, Virginia. Call the office or schedule your evaluation and treatment consultation online today. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

You have a long band of tissue running vertically across the sole of each foot. When this tissue, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed, you get plantar fasciitis. It’s the most common cause of heel pain and can restrict your walking abilities, especially after periods of inactivity.

You might experience plantar fasciitis because of:

• Increased activity levels
• Poorly fitted footwear
• The natural structure of your foot (flatfoot or a high arch)
• Tight calf muscles
• Obesity

There may be no identifiable cause of your plantar fasciitis. In any case, Dr. Vazales can examine your foot and reduce your pain with patient-centered care.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain or pain on the sole of your foot. Plantar fasciitis pain has distinct features that help Dr. Vazales diagnose the condition.

When you have plantar fasciitis, you might experience:

• Increased pain when you get out of bed
• Increased pain after any period of rest or sitting down
• Increased pain after (but not during) exercise
• Pain that increases gradually
• Foot stiffness
• Swelling near your heel

Some conditions, like heel spurs or nerve compression, can cause similar symptoms. Dr. Vazales reviews your medical history and examines your foot to determine the cause of your symptoms before recommending treatment.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Dr. Vazales provides personalized care to help your plantar fasciitis heal at Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia. Typically, treatment for plantar fasciitis involves a combination of clinical treatment and home care. Your plantar fasciitis might improve with:

Rest and activity modification

Dr. Vazales recommends reducing your activity levels to allow your plantar fascia time to heal. He might also suggest icing the bottom of your foot from time to time to reduce inflammation. Dr. Vazales may prescribe a short course of an anti-inflammatory medication.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy and stretching can help stabilize your ankle and heal plantar fasciitis. Dr. Vazales may use strapping and taping techniques and teaches you exercises to practice at home to improve your pain. Dr. Vazales works with local physical therapists to provide each patient with a multidisciplinary personalized treatment plan.

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics or over-the-counter insoles sit in the bottom of your shoe to take some of the stress off the sole of your foot as your plantar fascia heals. 

Steroid injections

Steroid injections can reduce inflammation on your heel and sole if more conservative care options don’t lead to significant improvements in your level of pain.

If you have heel pain, don’t hesitate to call Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia or book an appointment online for professional plantar fasciitis care.