Plantar Fasciitis

Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center

Podiatrists located in Laveen, AZ, Chandler, AZ & Mesa, AZ

Known as the leading cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis can make those first few steps you take in the morning feel unbearably uncomfortable. With the help of top-ranked podiatrists Jonathan Ray, DPM, Kyle Durfey, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM, and Brian Hiapo, DPM, of Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center, you can get relief from ongoing plantar fasciitis pain in Chandler and Laveen, Arizona. You can conveniently schedule your plantar fasciitis examination either online or over the phone.

Plantar Fasciitis Q & A

What is plantar fasciitis?

The arches of your feet are supported by your plantar fascia. This band of connective tissues, which stretches from your heels to your toes, absorbs shock with every step you take. With overuse or injuries, your plantar fascia can become inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

Oftentimes, plantar fasciitis is a result of wear-and-tear and getting older. In some cases, developing plantar fasciitis is associated with:

Working in an occupation that requires you to be on your feet all day
Participating in dancing, running, or ballistic jumping sports
Being overweight or obese

It’s also common for plantar fasciitis to be linked to inherited faulty foot mechanics, such as being flat-footed, developing heel spurs, or having high arches.

Is plantar fasciitis painful?

Yes, although the heel and arch pain you have with plantar fasciitis is often worse after long periods of inactivity. For instance, when you have plantar fasciitis, you may feel that pain is at its peak during those first few steps after getting out of bed or when walking around after you’ve been sitting at your desk for several hours.

Typically, the more you start moving around, the more your plantar fascia stretches out and your symptoms subside. What’s also unique about plantar fasciitis pain is that it doesn’t tend to flare up during exercise or sports, but it can cause agonizing pain shortly after periods of intense activity.

In some cases, plantar fasciitis can also lead to foot inflammation, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot (or feet). Before these symptoms progress, see how the compassionate podiatry team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center can help.

Can I get treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Yes! Once you’re under the care of Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center, you won’t have to worry about plantar fasciitis taking over your life any longer. Your personalized plantar fasciitis treatment plan may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Custom-made Birkenstocks®
Custom orthotic inserts
Specialized stretches
Cortisone injections
Stem cell therapy

While rare, occasionally the best course of treatment for plantar fasciitis is surgery. Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo uses minimally invasive techniques to release your plantar fascia, remove heel spurs, or make any other essential repairs to treat your case of plantar fasciitis.

You have plenty of options for plantar fasciitis relief at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Request an appointment online or call the clinic directly.

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