Foot and Ankle
Anatomy
Conditions
Procedures
Plantar Fasciitis
At Care Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center (COSM), we specialize in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain. From conservative therapies to advanced procedures, our goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and keep you moving comfortably.
Step Into Comfort, Walk Without Pain
Detail:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running from the heel bone to the toes—becomes irritated or inflamed. This tissue supports the arch of your foot and functions as a natural shock absorber.
Plantar fasciitis is most often seen in middle-aged men and women but can affect anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
Causes and Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis develops when repeated stress causes tiny tears in the fascia, leading to inflammation and pain. Contributing factors may include:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Running, ballet, or dance aerobics
- Jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
- Wearing thin-soled or unsupportive shoes
Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel—especially with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that improves with movement but worsens after standing for long periods
- Heel tenderness, stiffness, or swelling
Diagnosis
Your doctor will:
- Examine your foot for tenderness, arch issues, or tightness
- Recommend X-rays or MRIif needed to rule out other causes such as fractures or nerve entrapment
Treatment Options
Most patients improve with conservative, non-surgical treatments, including:
- Rest & iceto reduce pain and inflammation
- Supportive footwear & custom orthoticsto relieve pressure
- Stretching & strengthening exercisesfor the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and foot muscles
- Physical therapyincluding taping and manual therapy
- Night splintsto gently stretch the fascia overnight
- Medications(NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections for pain relief
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT):sound waves stimulate healing
Advanced Options
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, further options may include:
- Minimally invasive procedures– Ultrasound-guided tenotomy, PRP injections.
- Surgery(rarely required) to release tight fascia
Self-Care Tips
- Stretch your calves and plantar fascia regularly
- Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning
- Use heel inserts or arch supports
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet
- Ice your heel for 10–15 minutes, up to three times daily
At COSM, our foot and ankle specialists provide personalized care for plantar fasciitis—from conservative therapies to advanced procedures—helping you walk pain-free and get back to your active life.
Bunion Corrective Surgery – a surgical procedure to realign the bones, ligaments, and tendons of the big toe, relieving pain and restoring function.
Custom Foot Orthotic Fitting – personalized shoe inserts designed to support arches, correct alignment, and reduce foot pain or pressure.
Scarf Procedure for Bunion Correction – a specialized bunion surgery using a Z-shaped cut in the first metatarsal bone to realign the toe and improve stability.
Together, these procedures help patients achieve long-term pain relief, improved mobility, and better quality of life by addressing both structural and functional concerns of the foot and ankle.
