Do you have heel pain when you step down first thing in the morning? Or do you have heel pain when walking after sitting for some time? If so, you could be suffering from a condition known as plantar fasciitis or “heel spur”, which is an inflammation of the ligament where it attached on the heel bone. Here at the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia, we can help you devise a personalized treatment plan to treat your plantar fasciitis in the most effective way possible.What Is The Cause Of Plantar Fasciitis?
This is a condition that results from tightening of the heel cord or Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects your heel bone to all five toes. While you are sleeping or sitting, this tissue is contracted and it stretches while walking. Thus initial stretch irritates the its attachment to the heel bone and cause moderate to severe pain. Patients feel some relief after taking a few steps after that initial step. Repeated injury to this attachment creates bone and thickening of the plantar fascia while healing. This new bone formation-the “heel spur” may further aggravate the level of pain while walking. Though not every patient with plantar fasciitis will have a heel spur, Having a heel spur does not necessarily mean you will have heel pain. The plantar fascia may to evaluated with ultrasound imaging to determine if it’s attachment to heel bone has chronic changes.
What Can Be Done?
If you’ve been suffering through painful heel spurs, chances are you’re ready for some relief. There are a few different ways of treating this condition (also sometimes called heel spur syndrome), and they obviously depend on the severity of each individual case. While some patients can obtain relief with oral anti-inflammatory medication, stretching and regular icing, others will need specially made custom orthotic devices and physical therapy. Note: Always consult your doctor before taking any medications. Steroid injection around the plantar fascia origin under ultrasound guidance may also ensure that the condition is being treated while avoiding direct penetration injury to the plantar fascia. In severe cases, rigid casting of the foot may be necessary. Also minimally invasive procedures involving micro debridement with ultrasound of the thickened portion may be necessary. After several months of failed conservative therapy, surgical release of the plantar fascia may be done to relieve pain. The heel spur may also be removed at the time of surgery is necessary.
Analyzing Your Case
It is important to receive a professional evaluation before diagnosing or treating your pain. Whether you’re an athlete who’s performance is being affected or someone who just wants to live more comfortably and with less heel pain, our professional staff is ready and willing to you find the solution you’ve been looking for. Call our office today at 678-679-3300 to book an appointment with us.
