Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can affect not only avid runners but also people who are more sedentary. At Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California, Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, treat this inflammation of the tissue band under your foot and can help you walk with comfort again. The providers offer effective treatments for plantar fasciitis and the highest standard of personalized podiatric care. Visit to find relief; call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis typically involves the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, the thick band of tissue on the underside of your foot that connects your heel bone and your toes. The plantar fasciitis ligament supports the arch of your foot and the surrounding ligaments.

Degenerative irritation and excess pressure on the ligament can cause an inflammatory response, heel pain, and stiffness. While the condition is more commonly associated with runners, it can affect anyone at any activity level. Excess body weight and obesity increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

In some cases, plantar warts can develop alongside plantar fasciitis. A plantar wart is caused by a virus that’s contracted through small cuts or openings at the bottom of your foot. Plantar warts can grow inwards and form a callus.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses plantar fasciitis with a physical exam. They check your foot for tenderness and pain and find the pain's precise location and source to aid in diagnosis. They might test your reflexes and ask you to perform certain stretches to determine the health and strength of your plantar fascia ligament.

Your provider may send you for an X-ray to check if a stress fracture or other underlying bone complication is causing your pain.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

The first step to treat plantar fasciitis is usually to rest, ice the area, and avoid certain exercises at home. If your inflammatory heel pain persists, your provider might recommend the following:

• Heel pads
• Night splints
• Custom orthotics and shoe inserts
• Stretches and specialized exercises
• Oral medications and injections, such as cortisone injections, biologic injections, and other anti-inflammatories

Surgery might be necessary for more severe cases. Your provider can perform a plantar fascia release to free a portion of the plantar fascia ligament from the heel bone to relieve tension.

The Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. team devises customized treatment plans and often utilizes a multifaceted treatment approach for the best results.

While heel pain and plantar fasciitis can get in the way of your daily life, the right medical treatment and care can decrease inflammation and get you on your feet again. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.