Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that’s especially common in physically active individuals and athletes. Without professional care, it often results in chronic heel pain or immobility. At Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, Nicolas Manriquez, DPM, FACFAS, works with people of all ages to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. To make an appointment at the practice in Katy, Texas, call the office and speak with a friendly team member or book online.
Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia –– a thick cord of tissue that runs from your toes to your heel.
Though tough, the plantar fascia isn’t invincible. Daily activities like walking, standing, or climbing stairs put stress on the ligament, forming small tears. As the tears grow, they often result in pain and increased sensitivity.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
As plantar fasciitis worsens, you might also find it difficult to put weight or pressure on the affected foot.
Plantar fasciitis occurs in people of all ages, but several factors increase your risk, including being overweight, participating in activities that put stress on your heel, and being middle-aged or older.
You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you work a job that requires you to stand for hours at a time.
You can significantly lower the risk of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, and avoiding high-impact activities like jumping or running. You might also benefit from daily leg and foot stretches or low-impact exercises like swimming and biking.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC team examines your foot and asks about your symptoms. They gently press on your heel to pinpoint areas of swelling or sensitivity.
If the team suspects your heel pain is due to an underlying problem like a stress fracture or a heel spur, they might also order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI.
Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC uses conservative, minimally invasive measures to treat plantar fasciitis whenever possible. Depending on your age and health history, the team might recommend:
If your heel pain doesn’t respond to these measures or it gets worse, surgical intervention may be necessary. During surgery, your provider carefully detaches the plantar fascia from your heel bone, easing tension and providing relief.
To further explore treatment for plantar fasciitis, make an appointment at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC. Click the online booking tool or call to speak with the administrative team today.