Plantar Fasciitis

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Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

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Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

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Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting an estimated two million Americans each year and accounting for a significant portion of visits to podiatrists' offices. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch and absorbing the impact of every step. When this tissue becomes inflamed and irritated from repeated stress, the result is the sharp, persistent heel pain that brings so many patients through our doors. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, our podiatrists offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for plantar fasciitis at every stage.

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The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, often most intense with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting. The pain typically eases somewhat with continued movement only to return with prolonged standing or activity. Some patients describe the sensation as stepping on a tack or a deep bruise. The pain may radiate into the arch, and tenderness at the inside of the heel is common on examination.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the fascia is overloaded beyond its capacity to recover. Contributing factors include flat feet or high arches that change the way the fascia is stretched, tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons that increase tension on the heel, sudden increases in activity, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, weight gain, improper footwear, and certain occupations. Many patients can identify a recent change such as a new exercise routine, a different pair of shoes, or a new job that triggered the onset.

Our evaluation includes a thorough history, examination of the foot and lower extremity, gait assessment, and weight-bearing X-rays to rule out fractures, heel spurs, and other contributing conditions. Diagnostic ultrasound can directly visualize the thickened fascia when needed.

Treatment is highly effective for the great majority of patients, although it requires patience and consistency. Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and calf muscles are the foundation, and we provide specific instructions and demonstrations. Supportive footwear, custom orthotics that cushion the heel and support the arch, anti-inflammatory medications, ice therapy, and activity modification all play important roles. Night splints worn during sleep keep the fascia gently stretched and significantly speed recovery for many patients. Cortisone injections can break the inflammatory cycle and provide rapid relief during severe flare-ups.

For patients who do not respond to conservative care over several months, surgery is rarely needed but is available for the small number of cases that resist all other treatments. Our goal is to help every patient return to comfortable, pain-free walking as quickly and safely as possible.