Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that the connects the toes to the heel. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated it is commonly referred to as “plantar fasciitis”. The cause of plantar fasciitis is often times not known but experts do agree that overuse certainly plays a role.

The symptom of plantar fasciitis can include:

• Burning or stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot
• Pain when walking
• Foot pain that is worse in the morning
• Pain that is worse after exercise or activity

Patients who ignore plantar fasciitis likely will experience an increase in symptom severity.  The Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Foot Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates thoroughly evaluate, accurately diagnose, and effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is often effectively treated using nonsurgical treatment options. The Foot Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates prescribe treatment options as part of a customized plan to decrease patients’ symptoms. Common treatment options include the following:

• Custom made orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Night Splints
• Shoe inserts
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (oral and/or topical)
• Injections

In some cases, immobilization may be used. Patients are placed in a cast, splint, or walking boot while inflammation calms down.