If you have searing pain when you take your first steps in the morning, you may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The highly skilled podiatrists at North Shore Foot & Ankle in Syosset, NY, Flushing, NY, Rosedale, NY, Plainview, NY, and Lynbrook NY offer a range of treatment options to banish the discomfort of plantar fasciitis so you can start your day pain-free. To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

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What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This band, known as the plantar fascia, is strung tightly between your heel and toes to maintain the shape of your arch and your foot’s alignment. Because it is so tight, the band is susceptible to small injuries and tears which can become irritated, causing it to tighten further, leading to pain, and in some cases, heel spurs.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is usually most painful with your first steps in the morning, or after you’ve been sitting still for an extended period because the band re-tightens whenever you aren’t using your feet. When you step down after inactivity, the fast lengthening of the band causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot and heel, but it usually goes away after you’ve taken a few steps.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

It’s not always clear what causes plantar fasciitis, but you have a higher risk for the condition if you are 40-60 years of age. The following factors may also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Abnormal gait when walking
  • Extra body weight
  • Jobs that require extended time standing
  • Tightness in the calf or Achilles tendon

In addition, some types of exercise may put you at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis if they involve a lot of running or jumping.

How does a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?

The experts at North Shore Foot & Ankle always begin with a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan, and in most cases, this is effective for complete relief of pain and management of the condition. Your plantar fasciitis treatment plan may include:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Orthotics
  • Night splints
  • Exercise and stretching
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Cortisol injections

In severe cases, surgery is required to remove part of the damaged fascia. The physicians at North Shore Foot & Ankle are skilled surgeons with experience performing plantar fasciitis surgery with optimal results.

If you’d like to discover how the caring podiatrists at North Shore Foot & Ankle can help you find relief from plantar fasciitis, call the office or schedule a consultation online.