Plantar Fasciitis

Causes | Prevention | Treatment Options

Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. The fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed and causes pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. The fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed and causes pain. It can cause a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel, and is more pronounced in the morning as you take your first steps. Pain can occur after long periods of sitting and standing, or after exercise. The pain from plantar fasciitis can often get worse if you wear unsupportive or poorly designed shoes.

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What causes plantar fasciitis?

The direct cause of plantar fasciitis is repetitive microtrauma to the heel–tiny tears or damage to the tendons, muscles or ligaments. This is why the condition is most commonly experienced by runners. Other risk factors may include age (between 40 and 60), being overweight, having flat feet, prolonged standing and health conditions such as obesity or type II diabetes.

A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is based on medical exam and symptom description, and not usually any additional testing.

Can plantar fasciitis be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis but it may not be possible to prevent it completely. The right footwear can make a difference. Stretching before exercise can help, as can increasing exercise gradually instead of sudden increases. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent the condition, and avoid spending long periods of time barefoot or walking/exercising on hard surfaces.

What are my treatment options?

For most people, plantar fasciitis will get better on its own, although this can take up to a year or more. Conservative treatments include icing the heel, massage, taping the heel, stretching, medication, physical therapy and orthotics (shoe inserts or devices to support the heel). About 10-20% of those with plantar fasciitis will require a form of intervention beyond conservative treatment to heal the condition.¹

In the past, surgery to “release” the fascia (gastrocnemius recession/gastrocnemius release) was one of the few options available. Unfortunately, this surgery is not always successful and heel pain may return years after the surgery.

At VISA, we offer a non-surgical option called plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE). This minimally invasive procedure blocks the tiny, abnormal blood vessels that feed inflammation in the heel tissue.

Kinley S, Frascone S, Calderone D, Wertheimer SJ, Squire MA, Wiseman FA. “Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy versus traditional heel spur surgery: a prospective study.” Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 1993;32:595–603.

For more information about plantar fasciitis and other treatment options offered by VISA, please visit our treatments page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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