Plantar Fasciitis
Pain in the heel is usually caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. This ligament extends from the heel to the ball
of the foot. Usually, pain is caused by pulling the of this ligament on the heel bone. Sometimes, this can also be associated with
heel spurs. However, the heel spurs alone rarely cause the pain, but are often a result of the pulling of the ligament on the bone.
Pain is most severe when the patient takes their first step in the morning or stands up after a prolonged period of sitting. This
condition is often associated with flat feet or those with low arches who overpronate when they walk. Treatment is initially
conservative, including stretching, ice, orthotics, and anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections into the heel. If the symptoms
do not subside, other options are available such as traditional open surgery and endoscopic surgery (EPF). Recently other treatments
have become available to offer patients cutting edge treatments. The first is ShockWave therapy (ESWT) which uses high powered
soundwaves to treat the heel.
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