Overview of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, involving inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. This condition is widespread among our patients at Foot Centers of Maryland, often impacting daily mobility and exercise routines. It is caused by chronic strain and micro-tears where the fascia attaches to the heel bone.

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Common Causes and Risk Factors

We assess these factors when diagnosing patients across our Mercy and Overlea offices:

  • Foot Structure: Both flat feet (overpronation) and high arches can unevenly stress the fascia.
  • Weight: Being overweight or obese puts increased load on the feet.
  • Activity: Sudden increases in running or athletic activity, a common trigger for our patients near Reisterstown.
  • Tight Muscles: Tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles prevent the foot from properly flexing, increasing fascial strain.
  • Occupation: Jobs requiring long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as in the Glen Burnie

Recognizing the Telltale Symptoms

If you experience the following, contact our Foot Centers of Maryland specialists for a definitive diagnosis:

  • First-Step Pain: Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel with the very first steps out of bed in the morning, or after prolonged sitting (the “rest pain”).
  • Activity-Related Pain: Pain that may lessen after walking a bit, but returns and worsens after extended periods of standing or walking.
  • Tenderness: Localized tenderness at the bottom, inner aspect of the heel.

Targeted Treatment Strategies

Our treatment protocols at our Lutherville Office and other locations focus on rapid and sustained recovery:

  • Support and Off-loading:
    • Custom Orthotics: The gold standard solution to support the arch and limit excessive strain, crucial for long-term correction.
    • Night Splints: Wearing a brace while sleeping to keep the fascia and calf gently stretched.
  • Pain and Inflammation Control:
    • Stretching and Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to lengthen the calf and fascia.
    • Advanced Treatment: For chronic cases, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) is a highly effective, non-invasive method available at Foot Centers of Maryland to stimulate tissue healing.