Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis (PF) can cause significant pain in the bottom of your foot or heel. Your feet bear all the weight of your body and, when functioning correctly, allow you to stand, walk, and run comfortably. Treat plantar fasciitis with Dr. Joseph Treadwell and Dr. Christian Davis from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut in Danbury and Plainville, CT, and serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis and what are some symptoms?

The plantar fascia consists of a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel to the front of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Several factors can cause this. Most commonly, it is seen in people who spend a lot of time on their feet at work, participating in sports, or exercising. It is also common in people who are overweight due to the excess stress being placed on their feet. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Acute pain when taking your first step out of bed. This is a hallmark symptom of PF.
• Pain in the bottom of your foot or heel when taking a step after sitting for a while
• Heel pain
• Swelling in the heel
• Pain experienced after a bout of exercise, not during

What are the treatments for this condition?

The most important factor in managing plantar fasciitis is frequently stretching the plantar fascia. Recommendations from podiatrists include:

• Stretching your calf and foot before getting out of bed and taking your first step. Keep a belt or towel next to your bed. Right after waking and before getting out of bed, wrap the towel or belt around the top of your foot while keeping your knee straight. Pull back. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds, then release and repeat the stretch 5 times.
• Specific stretching and strengthening exercises targeted at the foot and ankle complex are key. Your podiatrist can show these to you or recommend a physical therapist in Danbury, New Milford, & Plainville CT for plantar fasciitis treatment.
• Choosing more supportive shoes
• Wearing a splint at night keeps the fascia in a stretched position.
• Custom orthotics
• NSAIDs such as Aleve or Ibuprofen may help with pain and swelling
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding aggravating activities
• The water bottle trick is very helpful. This involves freezing a water bottle (that is full), placing it underneath your foot, and rolling it back and forth several times a day.

There may be instances where more involved treatment is necessary, such as cortisone injections in the plantar fascia to aid healing. Surgery is rarely recommended to treat PF.

Contact us 

The sooner you address PF, the better, as this condition is very treatable. Treat your plantar fasciitis with Dr. Treadwell or Dr. Davis from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut in Danbury and Plainville, CT, and serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas. Schedule a consultation with us by calling our Plainville office at (860) 747-2200 or our Danbury office at (203) 748-2220.