The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and painful it is called plantar fasciitis. This condition may have a painful bony spur at the bottom of the heel associated with it. Most patients complain of pain when first weight-bearing in the morning after getting out of bed. Long-term heel spur and plantar fasciitis can cause pain at night and sleep disturbance.
Most patients respond very well to the use of appropriate footwear, orthotic therapy and a program of soft tissue stretching. In cases where symptoms are ongoing extracorporal shock wave therapy is indicated. Read more about our podiatric services In other cases a series of cortisone injections will be administered by our podiatric surgeon. Read more about our services. In a small fraction of patients surgery may be required.