Find Relief from Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue that creates the arch of your foot and connects your toes to your heel bone (plantar fascia). Overuse or stretching the bottom of your foot too far causes this condition. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a source of chronic pain.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, our goal at Dignity Health in the Bay Area is to ease your pain and treat it at the source. Our orthopedic teams want to get you back to enjoying life without pain. If you have plantar fasciitis in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor with expertise in treating this painful foot condition.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by overusing or overstretching the bottom of your foot. This overuse injury can be triggered by:

  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Obesity or sudden weight gain
  • Running downhill
  • Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle, which limits ankle flexibility
  • Walking on uneven or hard surfaces
  • Wearing shoes without enough arch support or with soft soles

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Signs of damage to the plantar fascia tissue include:

  • Burning or aching on the bottom of your foot
  • Sharp or dull pain in your heel
  • Stiffness on the sole of your foot
  • Swelling or redness

Symptoms are more common: 

  • After standing, sitting, or walking on a hard surface for long time
  • During vigorous activity
  • In the morning
  • While climbing stairs

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in the Bay Area

Treatment for pain related to plantar fasciitis includes shoe inserts to make your feet more comfortable, icing the affected foot several times a day, and over-the-counter pain medication. 

Additional treatment options include:

  • Corticosteroid injections in your heel
  • Surgery
  • Wearing a boot cast for several weeks
  • Wearing a splint overnight to stretch your foot

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can turn into a chronic condition that can also affect your back, hips, or knees. 

The most effective way to treat and prevent plantar fasciitis is to gently stretch your foot to make sure the plantar fascia stays flexible. Also be sure to wear proper shoes to support your feet.

Gently stretching the Achilles tendon and the calf muscle in the morning and before exercising may also be helpful.

The experts at Dignity Health are glad to answer your questions and talk about your treatment options for plantar fasciitis. Call (866) 466-1401 for a doctor referral today.

Dignity Health provides treatment for painful plantar fasciitis in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.