Plantar Fasciitis

Up to 1 in 10 people will experience plantar fasciitis during their lifetime. While anyone can develop the condition, it’s most common in runners, athletes, and other active people. At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, podiatrist Petrina Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, offers various treatments for plantar fasciitis, including Botox®, steroid injections, custom orthotics, and Zimmer shockwave therapy. To make an appointment, call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or book online today.

What is plantar fasciitis? 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition characterized by persistent heel pain. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot –– becomes injured due to general wear-and-tear. 

Daily movements like walking and climbing stairs cause your plantar fascia to become inflamed, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

There’s no cure for plantar fasciitis, but various treatments can relieve your symptoms and help you return to your favorite activities.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Intense heel pain that’s worse during rest
• Heel pain that occurs first thing in the morning
• A swollen heel
• Redness and increased sensitivity
• A tight Achilles tendon
• Heel spurs (bony deposits that form on or near your heel bone)

As the condition worsens, it might keep you from work, exercise, or other routine activities.

When should I see a podiatrist about heel pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Lewis at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center if you experience heel pain and it lasts for more than a week or two. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms, like redness, warmth, or swelling. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, Dr. Lewis reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and performs a physical exam. During the exam, she looks at your heel and ankle, checking for redness or bruising. 

Then, Dr. Lewis asks you to flex your foot and pushes on your plantar fascia to see if the pain worsens.

Dr. Lewis also checks the health of your nerves and muscle strength by testing your coordination, balance, sense of touch, and reflexes. Last, she orders diagnostic imaging, like ultrasound or an MRI, to get a better look at your plantar fascia and the surrounding soft tissues.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Lewis might recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Shockwave therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP treatment)
• Stretching exercises
• Botox injections
• Steroid injections
• Custom orthotics

If minimally invasive treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Lewis might recommend surgery, but only as a last resort.

To receive high-quality care for plantar fasciitis, book a consultation at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center or call the office today.