Plantar Fasciitis
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tough, fibrous tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and toes. This condition is regarded as one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain in adults. In the majority of cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a singular, determinable reason.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain — which may be dull or sharp — and stiffness in the bottom of your heel. Additionally, the bottom of the affected foot may ache or burn.
Many who suffer from this inflammation disorder notice that pain is often worse at specific times of the day or when engaging in certain activities, such as:
- When taking your first steps after getting out of bed in the morning
- After sitting or standing for an extended period
- While walking, running, or after intense activity
Our foot and ankle surgeons understand that the severity and frequency of pain or discomfort vary among individuals; if pain in your heel or along the bottom of your foot keeps you from living your life to the fullest, it’s crucial to get in touch with us for a proper diagnosis. Our doctors may take X-rays to further evaluate the condition of tendons, calf muscles, and plantar fascia that could be contributing to your pain.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Anything that irritates or damages the plantar fascia can result in plantar fasciitis, including:
- Playing spots
- Exercising or working on hard surfaces
- Wearing shoes or other footwear that do not provide proper foot support
Certain health conditions can make someone more prone to developing plantar fasciitis as well, including flat feet and high arches. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that don't involve surgery on your foot or plantar fascia.
Our Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Rachel Balloch offers non-surgical plantar fasciitis treatment options at our Hartford County, CT, office, including:
Piezowave Therapy
Also known as soundwave therapy, Piezowave therapy for plantar fasciitis involves a hand-held device that sends thousands of high-frequency sound wave pulses to a targeted tissue or muscle. This non-invasive method of acoustic compression therapy enhances circulation, provides pain relief, and reduces local muscle tension.
Tenex Procedure
This minimally invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain uses ultrasound to pinpoint scar tissue, then breaks up and removes the scar tissue using a hollow needle and ultrasonic frequencies. Since only damaged tissue is affected by this one-time in-office treatment, the recovery process is significantly shorter than with traditional surgery.
Another option is plantar fasciitis therapy, which involves cortisone injection therapy followed by oral steroid and/or non-steroidal medications coupled with night splints.
Our doctors may also recommend physical therapy, customized orthotics, at-home stretching that targets the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, and icing exercises with subtle adjustments to a patient’s exercise regimen.
What Patients Are Saying About Our Hartford County, CT, Practice
Gwendolyn John
2023
Total respect...this group is fabulous. Complete recovery from Plantar Fasciatis in a friendly and caring environment. I would recommend them highly
View on GoogleKaren Tessman
Avon, CT
2022
Dr Balloch was very thorough and provided immediate relief. Not to mention the staff is incredible too. Very friendly!! Highly recommend this office!!
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