Plantar Fasciitis

Up to 10% of adults develop plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury characterized by persistent heel pain and difficulty walking. At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Robert Maccabee, DPM, provides various treatments for plantar fasciitis, including custom orthotics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and minimally invasive surgery. Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to make an appointment, or book your visit online. 

I have heel pain that’s especially bad in the morning. Is it plantar fasciitis?

It’s likely. Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– develops small tears due to overuse or how you walk. These tears become inflamed without treatment, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

Most people experience heel pain occasionally, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week or keep you from your routine, identifying the cause is essential. 

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:

• A tight Achilles tendon
• Severe heel pain
• Stiffness
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Swelling around your heel

Plantar fasciitis symptoms can occur at any time, but they’re most common in the mornings when you first get out of bed and after periods of standing or exercise.

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into other parts of your body, like your forefoot or calves. 

He examines your heel and the bottom of your foot, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. He gently presses on your heel and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas and have you walk around the exam room to assess your gait (the way you walk) and posture.

Diagnostic imaging usually isn’t necessary, but Dr. Maccabee orders X-rays if he suspects your symptoms are due to another problem, like arthritis or a fracture. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats plantar fasciitis using a conservative, hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice and rest
• Custom orthotics
• Wearing shoes with support
• Wearing a walking boot to take pressure off your plantar fascia
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Stem cell injections

Minimally invasive, conservative treatments typically provide lasting relief, but you might be a candidate for surgery if your heel pain is severe. 

The most common type of plantar fasciitis surgery is plantar fascia release. During this procedure, Dr. Maccabee makes small incisions in your plantar fascia to relieve tension. Plantar fascia release results in reduced pain, minimal scarring, and improved mobility.

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule a plantar fasciitis appointment, or book online.