If you have sharp heel pain that’s making you want to hop instead of walk, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis. It’s the most common reason for heel pain in both athletes and non-athletes today. Trust the caring podiatrists at Dr. Simon Becker DPM in Elmwood Park and West Orange, New Jersey, for plantar fasciitis care with all the latest advanced technologies. Book online or by phone now.

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Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason for heel pain. This condition occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, the plantar fascia, develops tiny tears and grows very inflamed.

Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain that’s typically most severe when you start moving in the morning or after a long period of rest. Some plantar fasciitis sufferers also experience arch pain with this condition.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

The main cause of plantar fasciitis is an overextension of the plantar fascia band over time. The constant repetitive strain causes many tiny tears along the plantar fascia, which is what triggers the inflammation and pain.

The reason that your plantar fascia grows strained can vary, but some common causes include:

  • Distance running or any extensive exercise
  • Extended periods of standing on hard surfaces
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis

Unsupportive shoes might cause, or at least contribute to, plantar fasciitis, particularly if you have foot structure problems like flat feet or high arches.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your Dr. Simon Becker DPM podiatrist reviews your symptoms with you and examines your foot gently. Your podiatrist might ask you to do some basic exercises like standing on your toes, as well.

Imaging, including X-rays, MRI, or computerized tomography (CT), is often an important part of your diagnosis because it helps your podiatrist rule out other possible heel pain triggers like heel spurs.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis treatment at Dr. Simon Becker DPM usually starts with noninvasive treatments such as:

  • Custom orthotics
  • Splints
  • Taping
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Steroid injections

If your plantar fasciitis doesn’t respond to noninvasive treatments, your Dr. Simon Becker DPM podiatrist might recommend the minimally invasive Tenex Health TX™ procedure.

In the Tenex Health TX procedure, your podiatrist treats your damaged plantar fascia with ultrasonic energy while you’re under local anesthesia. The incision is just 3 mm, and no sutures are needed. While traditional open surgery recovery can take up to six months, recovery after Tenex Health TX for plantar fasciitis is just four to six weeks.

For freedom from heel pain and plantar fasciitis, call the location of Dr. Simon Becker DPM nearest you, or book online anytime.