Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that’s especially common in runners and other track athletes. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– develops small tears that become inflamed.

In most cases, plantar fasciitis resolves on its own. But if your symptoms last for more than a few weeks or they get progressively worse, contact Dr. Allen at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio right away.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes a dull ache or sharp, burning pain in one or both of your heels. Often, the pain is worse in the morning when you first wake up, but your symptoms might also flare after long periods of sitting or standing. 

Who is at risk of developing plantar fasciitis?

Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but several factors increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if:

• You’re middle-aged or older
• You’re overweight
• You work a job that requires you to stay on your feet
• You have an underlying foot condition like flat feet or high arches

The type of exercise you enjoy might also increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. For example, the condition often occurs in athletes who are long-distance runners or dancers.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, Dr. Allen asks about your symptoms and physically examines your foot. He gently presses on your heel to determine the location of your pain and to rule out other underlying issues.

Next, Dr. Allen asks you to flex your foot. He presses on your plantar fascia at the same time to see if your symptoms get better or worse. Dr. Allen also notes if your foot is swollen, bruised, or tender.

If these measures don’t provide enough information, Dr. Allen conducts several other tests to check your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. He might also order X-rays to rule out a broken bone or heel spur.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your life. Usually, Dr. Allen recommends conservative measures like:

• Ice and rest
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Heel pads or inserts
• Activity modification
• Wearing more comfortable, supportive shoes
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Topical CBD products

If none of these treatments provide adequate relief, Dr. Allen might recommend surgery. There are several procedures that can relieve plantar fasciitis-related pain. Some use traditional open methods, while others are minimally invasive.

To receive treatment for plantar fasciitis, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the office today or clicking the online booking feature.