- Arthritic feet & toes
- Bunions
- Calf pain
- Charcot foot
- Clubfoot
- Corns & calluses
- Diabetic foot & wound care
- Flatfoot
- Foot fractures
- Ganglion cyst
- Gout
- Hammertoe
- Heel pain
- High arches
- Foot injuries
- Intoeing (pigeon-toed)
- Joint pain & swelling
- Neuroma
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Toenail problems
- Warts
Plantar Fasciitis
Pain on the bottom of the heel or arch is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the ligament called the plantar fascia. It is also sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome," which is misleading as it is seldom caused by a heel spur. Acute injury and the high arched or low arched foot can all cause plantar fasciitis, but in our experience, the most common cause is abnormal foot function.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated nonsurgically by the use of stretching exercises, NSAIDs, orthotics, injections, physical therapy, etc. In the extreme case that is nonresponsive to conservative care, release of the plantar fascia may be necessary. A podiatrist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.
For more information, visit the heel pain (plantar fasciitis) page at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website.
