Plantar Fasciitis Specialist
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Kirk Grogan, DPM
Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Pacific Heights & Duboce Triangle, San Francisco, CA
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions that Dr. Kirk Grogan treats at his practice in San Francisco. If you suffer from sharp, stabbing pain in your heels that is more severe in the morning or after periods of rest, you should call or book a consultation online today to talk to Dr. Grogan about your pain. Foot pain isn’t something you have to put up with as you get older; effective treatment is available.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition caused by inflammation in the connective tissue - the fascia - that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot. Plantar fasciitis can cause calcium deposits to build up on your heels. This buildup is referred to as heel spurs and can contribute to your discomfort.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by sharp pain localized in your heel that is more severe when you first wake up and after long periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis pain also can radiate across the bottom of your foot. The pain often subsides once you get moving and the fascia and muscles in your feet warm up. Stretching your feet and calves first thing in the morning can provide some pain relief.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis inflammation is caused by a number of factors, including:
- Tight calf muscles
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Nerve compression
- Abnormal gait or overpronation
- Being overweight
- Arthritis
- Loss of cushioning tissue in the heel
Can I prevent plantar fasciitis?
There are steps you can take to protect yourself from plantar fasciitis. Avoid going barefoot. Wear supportive footwear that is appropriate for your activities. Make sure to warm up correctly and stretch your calves, ankles, and feet after working out.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Dr. Grogan offers a variety of treatments to provide pain relief while healing the underlying cause of your plantar fasciitis. In most instances, treatment begins conservatively with advice on appropriate footwear and at-home strategies like ice, orthotics, nighttime foot slings, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications.
When these conservative therapies don’t work, Dr. Grogan offers cortisol injections to reduce inflammation and pain, and physical therapy to address its cause. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy may be applied to release the fascia. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct abnormalities that put excess pressure on your fascia or to release the fascia itself. Heel spur removal also can provide relief from heel pain.
If you suffer from heel pain, you don’t have to put up with it. Call or make an appointment online to talk to Dr. Grogan about your plantar fasciitis.
