Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis and Treatment Questions

Do you have heel pain? According to the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons, two million Americans seek treatment annually for plantar fasciitis. If you're one of the millions of patients with heel pain, take a look at what you need to know about the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Can You Self-Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis?

Simply stated — no. Like other podiatric problems, plantar fasciitis requires a doctor's diagnosis. Even though you need a podiatrist to examine your feet and diagnose this common condition, you can make the process easier with some pre-appointment investigation. If you suspect your foot pain is plantar fasciitis:

• Track the pain. When do you have heel pain? Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain with the first steps after periods of rest, sleep, inactivity, or exercise. Constant pain, pain that doesn't go away with walking, or pain during exercise may indicate another issue.
• Note what relieves the pain. Do you need to take over-the-counter pain relievers to take the pain away or does it resolve on its own? Note whether medication, rest, or activity helps to reduce discomfort.
• Write down your symptoms. Think about where and how you feel the pain. Write this information down, noting the painful place (or places) on your feet and how much discomfort you have.

Now that you have a better picture of your symptoms, you can take the next step and visit the doctor for an expert diagnosis.

How Will a Podiatrist Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis ?

A tear, inflammation, or damage to the plantar fascia (the ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel) can cause plantar fasciitis. To diagnose damage, the doctor will need to:

• Take a health history. This is where your notes or home assessment comes in. The doctor will ask you about your overall health history as well as the history of your heel pain symptoms.
• Examine the area. The podiatrist will feel your foot and check for tenderness or swelling, functional reflexes, and muscle tone. You may need to flex your foot or move it in different ways as the doctor examines the area.
• Recommend other tests. Some patients may also need an x-ray, MRI, or another imaging test for an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help the doctor to rule out other foot muscle, ligament, or bone issues.

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis isn't the end of your podiatrist appointment. After the doctor determines whether you have this foot issue or not, they'll recommend a treatment. The specific treatment you need depends on your foot, the extent of the issue, overall health, and lifestyle factors.

How Will a Podiatrist Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

According to a journal article published in American Family Physician, it can take between six and 18 months to treat plantar fasciitis. The total time it takes depends on the cause, your body's ability to heal, and the type of treatment your doctor recommends. The most common treatments for this podiatric problem include:

• Stretching exercises. The doctor may recommend stretching exercises to reduce discomfort and improve foot flexibility.
• Strength exercises. Along with stretching the area, the doctor may give you at-home exercises to help strengthen the bottom of your foot and heal.
• Ice. Daily ice treatments may help to reduce the swelling or pain.
• Medications. If you haven't tried medications, the doctor may recommend either over the counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) options.
• Injections. Steroid (cortisone) injections may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Orthotics. Therapeutic shoes, orthotic inserts, and splints can provide the support you need to reduce discomfort when moving or standing in a stationary position.

Some patients may not experience complete relief from these non-invasive treatment options. If you still have pain, swelling, or other heel issues, the doctor may recommend a surgical alterative such as gastrocnemius recession or plantar fascia release.



Do you think you have plantar fasciitis? Contact the Upperline Health California for more information.