Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of chronic heel pain, characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. This tissue, the plantar fascia, connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the natural arch of your foot. At Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Kyle W. Sundblad, DPM, and Dr. Sadegh Arab, DPM, help patients identify the source of their discomfort. When the fascia is overstretched or subjected to repetitive strain, small tears develop, leading to the stabbing pain that many people feel during their first steps in the morning.
Identifying the Symptoms and Risk Factors
The hallmark of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain at the base of the heel. While the discomfort often decreases as you move throughout the day, it may return after long periods of standing or when rising from a seated position. Several factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern. Sudden increases in physical activity, wearing non-supportive footwear, or carrying extra body weight can also place excessive tension on the ligament. Our podiatrists evaluate your gait and foot structure to determine why the inflammation began in the first place.
Non-Surgical Management and Relief
Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to conservative treatments. Dr. Sundblad and Dr. Arab often recommend a combination of stretching exercises aimed at the calf muscles and the plantar fascia itself to improve flexibility. Over-the-counter or custom orthotics can provide structural support to prevent the arch from collapsing and further irritating the tissue. Night splints are another effective tool, as they keep the foot in a stretched position while you sleep, preventing the fascia from tightening overnight. Icing the area and taking anti-inflammatory medications can also help manage acute flare-ups.
Advanced Clinical Treatments
If standard home care does not provide sufficient relief, our Sterling Heights, MI, office offers additional clinical options to resolve persistent plantar fasciitis. Corticosteroid injections are a common choice for providing rapid relief by significantly reducing inflammation directly at the site of the heel pain. For cases that are particularly stubborn, we may recommend physical therapy protocols that focus on eccentric loading of the foot and calf. In rare instances where the ligament remains severely constricted and unresponsive to all other measures, a surgical procedure to partially release the tension on the plantar fascia may be discussed. Our goal is to find the most effective path to recovery while ensuring you are well-informed of every available medical option.
Schedule Your Consultation in Sterling Heights
Persistent heel pain can limit your mobility and interfere with your daily life. The team at Advanced Foot, Ankle & Wound Care is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief from plantar fasciitis. By combining diagnostic expertise with a range of effective treatment options, we help you return to your favorite activities without the burden of foot pain. Visit our Sterling Heights, MI, office to start a plan that restores your comfort and protects your long-term foot health. Call (586) 731-7873.
