Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, but not the only one. At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, foot and ankle specialist Dr. Benjamin Clair, DPM, understands the importance of providing an accurate diagnosis so patients get the most effective treatment for their plantar fasciitis or other cause of heel pain. Schedule an appointment by calling or booking online today to find out what’s causing your heel pain. 

My heel hurts when I wake up. Do I have plantar fasciitis?

If you have heel pain when you take those first few steps after waking up in the morning, you might have plantar fasciitis. — inflammation of the plantar fascia. Though it’s the most common cause of heel pain, your symptoms may occur from any number of causes, including heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis. 

When experiencing heel pain, you should schedule an appointment at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center so you can get an accurate diagnosis from the skilled and experienced foot and ankle specialist. Getting the right diagnosis from the start can save you from ongoing pain. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury. Your plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to the bones in the front part of your foot. This ligament gives you the ability to walk and run. It also acts as a shock absorber for high-stress activities.

If you’re a runner or you spend a lot of time on your feet, you may stress the plantar fascia, causing tiny tears in the tissue. These tears lead to inflammation and pain. 

With plantar fasciitis, you may only have pain when you first wake up or after spending long periods of time off your feet. 

What can I expect during an evaluation for plantar fasciitis?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center when you come in with complaints of heel pain and concerns about plantar fasciitis.

Dr. Clair asks detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, and activities that make them worse. He reviews your daily routine and examines your foot and ankle. Dr. Clair requests imaging of your foot to help him make an accurate diagnosis. 

What are some treatments for plantar fasciitis?

Getting an accurate diagnosis helps Dr. Clair determine the most effective treatment and timing of that treatment. For plantar fasciitis, your plan may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Steroid injections

• At-home exercise program

• Activity modification

• Taping or strapping

• Use of shoe inserts

• Physical therapy

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

Though healing takes time, most people with plantar fasciitis get relief from their pain with conservative care. If you need foot surgery, Dr. Clair uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time.