Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history and a physical exam. Dr. Blue, Dr. Muchowski, or Dr. Farrett will ask about when the pain started, what activities make it worse, and whether it feels most intense in the morning. During the exam, they may press along the heel and arch to find tender spots, stretch the foot and ankle to reproduce symptoms, and check for factors such as tight calf muscles. In most cases, imaging is not required, but X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be recommended if another condition like a stress fracture or nerve issue is suspected. This process helps ensure the diagnosis is accurate and guides a personalized treatment plan.
Plantar Fasciitis in Parker, Colorado
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Contact UsWhat Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic foot pain, becoming more common with age and with increased repetitive stress and strain on the foot that can occur with activities like running and hiking. Painful symptoms may temporarily resolve with movement, but long-term relief requires prompt medical attention. At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, Colorado, podiatrists Kevin Blue, DPM, FACFAS, Ryan Muchowski, DPM, and the team help men and women with plantar fasciitis relieve their painful symptoms with strategies designed to reduce strain and promote optimal healing of the plantar fascia tissue. Plus, they are skilled in providing guidance to help prevent symptoms from recurring. To speak with a podiatrist about your plantar fasciitis, call the office or book an appointment online today.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Understanding its symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. This condition can significantly impact daily activities, making it important to recognize the signs early. Here are the common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
- Sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps after waking up
- Pain that worsens after prolonged periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position
- Increased discomfort after exercise, but not during the activity itself
- Tenderness and swelling in the heel
- Stiffness in the foot, particularly in the morning or after rest
- Pain that radiates from the heel to the arch of the foot
- A tight Achilles tendon, which can exacerbate symptoms
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
What Are The Risk Factors Of Plantar Fasciitis?
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors. People who spend long hours on their feet, such as teachers, retail workers, or healthcare professionals, are at higher risk due to prolonged standing. Athletes, especially runners, are also more prone due to repetitive impact on the feet. Factors like flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can place additional strain on the plantar fascia. Wearing unsupportive or poorly fitting shoes, particularly those lacking arch support or cushioning, can exacerbate the problem. Sudden changes in activity level, such as starting a new exercise routine or increasing workout intensity too quickly, can also contribute.
What are the causes of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes (the plantar fascia) becomes irritated or inflamed. This often results from repetitive stress, such as prolonged standing, running, or activities that place heavy strain on the heels. Risk factors include wearing unsupportive footwear, having high arches or flat feet, sudden increases in activity level, and carrying excess weight. Over time, the repeated stress creates tiny tears in the fascia that lead to heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
For many people, plantar fasciitis symptoms develop over time and will occur in one or both feet. The pain accompanying plantar fasciitis can be dull or sharp and usually starts at the mid-point of the foot and radiates toward the heel. This pain is generally worse in the morning or after an activity, like running. To help combat this pain, Dr. Blue, Dr. Muchowski, and Dr. Farrett can perform a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. After an initial consultation, a custom treatment plan will be developed to address your concerns, which may include a combination of treatments, such as exercises, medications, or splints, to relieve your symptoms. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible for the best results.
What To Expect After Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
After treatment for plantar fasciitis, most patients can expect a gradual reduction in pain and improved mobility, though recovery time varies depending on the severity of the inflammation. Adhering to your prescribed stretching routine and wearing recommended orthotics or supportive footwear is essential for long-term success. Many patients experience significant relief within a few weeks of consistent conservative care. Patients may want to gradually return to high-impact activities to avoid re-injury. Dr. Blue, Dr. Muchowski, and the team will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed to ensure you return to your active lifestyle pain-free.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine Reviews
I got in quickly, started treatment, will have a followup. Easy ability to contact for information. My visit initiated with the doctor. In-office x-rays, specialization. All around foot care.
Everyone was great,Very professional. I was totally impressed with the DR.
I saw Dr. Muchowski on short notice while on a work trip to Parker. He, along with his staff, were outstanding professionals from start to finish. My ingrown/infected toenail was taken care of, I was out of the office in time for work, and healed very quickly. I’d highly recommend this doctor and clinic to anyone with foot problems, because they know how to SOLVE them.
Great Dr. Friendly and professional. I'll be back.
Staff is extremely Kind and very helpful and accommodating.
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Relieve Foot Pain
If at-home solutions, like ice and rest, are no longer working to relieve your heel pain, it may be time to seek professional help. At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, we know that plantar fasciitis can affect a person’s quality of life, and we don't want pain to hold you back from doing what you enjoy. Contact our Parker, Colorado office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Blue, Dr. Ryan Muchowski, and Dr. William Farrett to learn more about our effective treatments for plantar fasciitis and how they may benefit you.
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About UsPlantar Fasciitis FAQs
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the strong band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends lengthwise across the bottom of your foot from the base of the toes to the heel. The plantar fascia provides support and flexibility to the arch and the midfoot region as well as aiding in balance and stability while you’re walking, standing, and running. Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of chronic heel pain, it can also cause painful symptoms along the bottom of the foot. Pain typically is worse when walking or standing after a period of rest, including right after waking in the morning and any time following a long period of sitting. Symptoms usually feel better after you begin moving around as the plantar fascia “warms up” and becomes more flexible. However, your symptoms will return after another period of sitting still or lying down.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis becomes more common with age, partly as a result of years of wear and tear on the plantar fascia, and partly because the fibrous tissue tends to become stiffer and less flexible as you age, causing tiny tears to form in the tissue. If you enjoy activities like running, hiking, or sports like tennis or basketball that result in a lot of impact to your feet, you’re also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, and the condition is also more common among people who are overweight or obese.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Often, you can temporarily relieve heel pain and other symptoms of plantar fasciitis with medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), which help reduce inflammation in the tissues. You may also benefit from special splints and exercises that help gently stretch the plantar fascia to:
• Improve circulation
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve flexibility along the sole of the foot
Many patients find custom orthotics helpful in reducing symptoms by providing necessary support for the arch and relieving strain, providing the plantar fascia with the “rest” it needs to heal. Lifestyle changes like losing excess weight and taking breaks during long periods of sitting may also help.
When these approaches aren’t effective in providing long-term relief for pain and inflammation, your provider may recommend steroid injections to relieve inflammation and promote healing in the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues. When heel pain persists, surgery may be recommended to remove tiny bony growths called heel spurs, which can exacerbate irritation and inflammation in the plantar fascia.
Beginning treatment as soon as you notice symptoms is important for relieving pain and returning to your normal activities as quickly as possible.