Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

in Los Angeles

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia helps support the foot arch and absorbs shock when we walk.

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What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause significant pain.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, particularly among runners and other athletes who put a lot of stress on their feet. It can also be caused by prolonged standing or obesity. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves a combination of rest, ice, and stretching exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The symptoms of Plantar fasciitis can vary from person to person. Some people may experience a sharp pain in the heel or arch of the foot that is worse with activity, while others may only have mild discomfort. Other common symptoms include:

• Stiffness in the foot or heel
• Pain that is worse in the morning or after periods of rest
• Swelling in the foot or heel
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Elhiani. He can properly diagnose and help you choose the best treatment for you.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

There are several potential causes of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Overuse: Repetitive impact on the heel can damage or tear the plantar fascia. This is often seen in runners or other athletes who do a lot of high-impact activities.
• Age: The risk of developing plantar fasciitis increases with age. This may be due to the natural wear and tear that occurs on the body over time.
• Weight: Being overweight puts additional strain on the heels and feet, leading to plantar fasciitis.
• Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support or padding can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Dr. Elhiani will determine the precise source of your pain by examining your foot. During the examination, he can ask you to flex your foot. At the same time, he applies pressure to the plantar fascia to determine whether the discomfort increases with flexing and decreases with toe-pointing.

Dr. Elhiani will evaluate the strength of your muscles and the health of your nerves by examining your:

• Reflexes
• Muscular tone
• Coordination
• Balance

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating plantar fasciitis. The most important thing you can do is give your feet a rest and avoid activities that aggravate the condition.

If you’re a runner, you may need to take some time off from running to allow your feet to heal. Swimming or using an elliptical trainer are good low-impact alternatives.

You can also try the following treatments:

• Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching exercises: Several stretches can be beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis, including calf stretches, Achilles tendon stretches, and plantar fascia stretches.
• Orthotic inserts: Wearing arch supports or orthotic inserts can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a treatment program that includes exercises and other therapies to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your foot.
• Steroid injections: In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Albert Elhiani at Eazy Foot & Ankle to get relief from this condition. Dr. Elhiani is a specialist in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, and he will be able to help you choose the best treatment for you.