Receive Expert Care for Plantar Fasciitis in Arizona

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It causes pain and inflammation in the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone and the toes. Plantar fasciitis is very common in runners, people who are overweight, and in people who don’t wear shoes with proper support. 

Dignity Health offers quality treatment for plantar fasciitis in Arizona, including noninvasive therapy and surgery. To learn more about your options for care or to make an appointment, Find a Doctor today.

Comprehensive orthopedic care can be found at these Dignity Health hospitals in Arizona:

For personalized care and humankindness, visit your nearest location.

 

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include stiffness and stabbing pain in the heel of the foot, especially in the morning. As the day goes on and your foot loosens up, these symptoms usually subside.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Pain that begins with exercise and lessens or goes away as exercise continues, but comes back after completion
  • Pain that gets worse when climbing stairs or standing on toes
  • Discomfort after long periods of standing or after sitting in a stationary position

 

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Plantar fasciitis develops when tension is put on the plantar fascia, causing it to stretch too far and tear. With repeated stretching, these small tears cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in pain when walking. 

 

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment at Dignity Health

The goals of treating plantar fasciitis are to:

  • Relieve inflammation and pain in the heel
  • Improve strength and flexibility 
  • Allow tears in the plantar fascia to heal properly
  • Help you to get back to normal activities

At Dignity Health, our orthopedic doctors try conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis first. These may include:

  • Medications for relieving pain and reducing inflammation
  • Physical therapy to strengthen lower leg muscles and stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
  • Orthotics, such as heel cups, arch supports, or cushions, to help support your feet
  • Night splints to stretch the calf muscle and the arch of the foot during sleep

If these treatments aren’t successful, your doctor may recommend surgery or other procedures, such as:

  • Steroid shots for temporary pain relief
  • Shock wave therapy to stimulate healing
  • Walking cast for the lower leg in order to facilitate rest
  • Surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone (may be an option when pain is severe and no other treatment has worked)

Most people are able to relieve heel pain with nonsurgical treatments. Only a small number of people need surgery. The average recovery period for plantar fasciitis is about a year. If your plantar fasciitis is associated with your job or playing sports, talk with your doctor about ways to alternate your regular activities so your foot can heal. 

Dignity Health offers comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care, including treatment for plantar fasciitis, in Arizona.