Menu

Call Us Today

Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Plantar Fasciitis: A Big Pain in the Heel

Plantar Fasciitis is an ailment we see quite frequently at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes. When this band of tissue becomes inflamed, it causes pain in the heel. The pain can be severe and stabbing, particularly when you take your first steps in the morning. Usually, as your foot stretches and gets moving, the pain decreases. Pain may also be experienced after long periods of standing or walking or after getting up if you’ve been sitting for a while.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

When you walk, your foot naturally rolls inward slightly. If, however, this inward roll is excessive—known as over-pronation—it flattens the foot, lengthening the arch and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. This leads to the inflammation and pain. Other factors that put one at risk for Plantar Fasciitis include: high arches or flat feet; activities that involve repetitive pounding on the heel, such as running; jobs or activities that require you to stand for long periods of time; obesity.

Treatment

Our podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, will first need to examine your foot and heel to confirm a diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis. This exam will consist of the foot doctor checking to see where the pain and tenderness is in your foot. Imaging studies are not usually needed unless the podiatrist wants to rule out other causes of heel pain.

Fortunately, most people are able to recover from Plantar Fasciitis in just a few months with the help of non-invasive, conservative treatments. These include over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and icing to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as any or all of the following:

  • Orthotics: Ready-made or custom inserts for your shoes can help provide better arch support and take the pressure off your heel.
  • Exercises: Through physical therapy, there are exercises you can do to stretch the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. Strengthening your lower leg muscles can also help provide more stability for your ankle and heel.
  • Night Splints: The foot doctor may recommend a splint that stretches your calf and arch while you sleep to help reduce pressure and pain.

If Plantar Fasciitis does not respond to these treatments, surgical and other therapy options are available. To find out more, call to make an appointment at either our Waldorf or Clinton office or request an appointment online. 

Our Locations

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed