Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Flagstaff, AZ

Top-Rated Podiatrist for Foot Pain Relief

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain. The condition can be very painful and impact your daily activities, even making walking difficult. If you believe you are suffering from this condition, contact our expert for plantar fasciitis treatment in Flagstaff, AZ, so we can help you!

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to the faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when your job requires long hours on your feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over a period of months

People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they’ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia. For some people, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Our doctor will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process, our foot doctor rules out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis. In addition, diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays may be used to distinguish between different types of heel pain. Some nonsurgical treatments that are recommended might include:

Stretching exercises – Exercises that stretch out the calf muscles help ease pain.

Avoid going barefoot – When you walk without shoes, you put undue strain and stress on your plantar fascia.

Ice – Putting an ice pack on your heel for 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce inflammation.

Limit activities – Cut down on extended physical activities to give your heel a rest.

Shoe modifications – Wear supportive shoes that have good arch support

Medications – Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.

Padding and strapping – Placing pads in the shoe softens the impact of walking. Strapping helps support the foot and reduce strain on the fascia.

Orthotics – Custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoe help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis.

Injection therapy – In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Removable walking cast – A removable walking cast may be used to keep your foot immobile for a few weeks to allow it to rest and heal.

Night splint – Wearing a night splint allows you to maintain an extended stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping. This may help reduce the morning pain experienced by some patients.

Physical therapy – Exercises and other physical therapy measures may be used to help provide relief.

EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), also known as shock wave therapy. EPAT is a non-invasive method used to treat both acute and chronic foot and heel pain. It works hand-in-hand with other regenerative treatments and effectively relieves pain caused by connective tissue disorders, such as plantar fasciitis.

In more severe cases where these more conservative, nonsurgical methods do not work, surgery may be recommended for you. If this happens, our podiatrist will carefully consider your health history and discuss your surgery options with you to help you make an informed decision.

Experience 5-Star-Rated Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Flagstaff, AZ!

To experience our 5-star-rated podiatry care, schedule your Dr. Rosales New Patient Assessment today. Your appointment includes the following:

• Discuss Goals & Concerns
• Thorough Exam
• X-Rays As Needed
• Personal Treatment Plan

Schedule your appointment today by calling our office at 928-774-4825 or by clicking here to use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to meeting you!

As one of the premier podiatry practices in Flagstaff, AZ our podiatrist and team at Flagstaff Foot Doctors also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients from Williams, Winslow, Sedona, Tusayan (Grand Canyon) & Page, AZ & the surrounding areas.