“Doctor, my heel hurts and I can’t understand why?  It is definitely worse in the morning or after I sit and try to stand up.  It is a sharp pain that is causing me to limp.  I’ve tired different shoes and pads from the foot care isle and nothing is working.”  This is a daily complaint we treat at Atlantic Podiatry Associates in Palm Coast, and is without a doubt one of my favorite things to treat as a podiatrist.  

Our approach to heel pain is simple and effective.  After listening to our patients describe their pain, a thorough lower extremity physical examination is done.  A radiograph allows us to visualize the foot bones to see how the bones and joints interact with the ground.  Radiographs should always be weight bearing.  If there is pain while the toes are bent up and simultaneous pressure of the inner heel, an ultrasound will be performed.  If the ultrasound reveals a thickened plantar fascia, the patient is diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.

To start treatment, our doctors prefer to decrease inflammation of the plantar fascia with an oral anti-inflammatory (Advil or Motrin) or an injectable anti-inflammatory (cortisone) when pain is moderate to severe.  By using an ultrasound, we are certain to inject precisely where the fascia is inflamed using an ultrasound guided technique.  

Stretching the foot after periods of rest is crucial.  A night splint may be worn during leisure times or while sleeping to assist with stretching the foot.  Wearing arch supports, or orthotics, can help stabilize the foot and relieves the pressure of the plantar fascia.  It is very important to be sure the arch supports are somewhat hard or made from a plastic material that may be covered with a softer material.

It is common for athletes with sports injuries to be diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, including pros like Kobe Bryant and Eli Manning.  Sometimes patients need more than one injection, aggressive physical therapy, orthotics, and sometimes surgery.  

As the summer months continue, we love to kick off our running shoes and throw on our sandals.  However, prolonged sandal wearing is a major cause of plantar fasciitis and we encourage everyone to evaluate your shoes of choice.  Match them appropriately to your activity of the day and you may be able to avoid the “summertime” heel pain also known as plantar fasciitis.

By Dr. Dennis McBroom

Summer and fall is a time for wearing sandals and going barefoot for many people.  Unfortunately this can lead to multiple foot aches.  Most commonly heel pain, or as we refer to it in the office, plantar fasciitis.

This presents as pain in the bottom of the heel, usually worse in the morning or after rest. This is most commonly caused from the lack of support not given by many sandals, flip flops, or bare feet.  

The best way to combat this is by not wearing this type of shoe gear, and wearing supportive shoes at all times (even in the house).  In more severe cases you will need to wear orthotics in your shoes to give you added support through the heel and arch.  These can be provided for you at your podiatrist’s office.  They may be prefabricated or custom-made depending on the severity of the condition. 

Other keys to treating plantar fasciitis is by stretching, icing, and taking anti-inflammatories.  If this does not aid in your condition then it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your podiatrist, so he or she can assist you in treating this annoying and many times painful condition.

Many patients visit our offices located in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Port Orange and Orange City with a similar scenario as described above.  So whether you prefer to wear beachy summer sandals or six-inch heels like Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga, Atlantic Podiatry Associates can help. 

At Atlantic Podiatry Associates, one of our four doctors, Dr. Andrew B. Green, Dr. James W. Rust, Dr. Dennis B. McBroom, or Dr. Matthew J. Hentzel will be happy to discuss proper stretching exercises that will help lessen the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and which shoes will best help to prevent pain.

By Dr. Andrew B. Green