Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Ocoee, FL
Each year, more than two million Americans visit the doctor for plantar fasciitis treatment. This common but painful condition often responds to conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. At West Orange Podiatry, expert podiatrist Michael Laliberte, DPM, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. To make an appointment at the practice in Ocoee, Florida, call the office today or schedule online.
FAQ's About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that affects the plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes.
Over the years, activities like walking, running, and jumping cause small tears to form in the plantar fascia. If these tears become inflamed, it results in severe heel pain and difficulty walking.
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing heel pain. Often, pain caused by plantar fasciitis is worse after long periods of sitting, standing, or lying down. For example, many people with plantar fasciitis experience the worst side effects in the morning, right after waking up.
Plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being between the ages of 40-60.
- Participating in activities that place pressure on the heel, like running or dancing.
- Flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait.
- Obesity.
You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you work a job that requires you to spend long hours on your feet like factory work or warehousing.
If you experience heel pain regularly, and it doesn’t respond to conservative, at-home treatments like ice, rest, and elevation, make an appointment with Dr. Laliberte at West Orange Podiatry. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications like knee, hip, or back problems.
At West Orange Podiatry, Dr. Laliberte diagnoses plantar fasciitis by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if activities like work or exercise make them worse.
Next, he physically examines your feet and gently presses on your heels to determine the location and severity of your discomfort. If Dr. Laliberte suspects your symptoms are due to another issue, like bone spurs or a hairline fracture, he might order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.
At West Orange Podiatry, Dr. Laliberte uses conservative treatments to manage plantar-fasciitis pain. He might recommend:
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).
- Over-the-counter pain medication.
- Physical therapy.
- Night splints.
- Custom orthotics.
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Ultrasonic tissue repair.
If these measures don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Laliberte might recommend surgery. During surgery for plantar fasciitis, Dr. Laliberte detaches your plantar fascia from your heel bone.