Heel
Pain / Plantar Fasciitis
By: Corinne Gehegan, DPM
 Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia of the foot.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous connective tissue that
connects the heel to the ball of the foot and the base of the toes. The
underside of the foot is the plantar aspect of the foot. The plantar
fascia is responsible for supporting the arch. The fascia has the
ability to stretch to a certain degree each time the foot impacts the
ground. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is stretched beyond
the degree to which it is accustomed causing strain and possibly partial
tears of its fibers. Over time this leads to inflammation, pain, and
possibly the development of a heel spur. A heel spur is an extension or
protrusion of the heel bone. When the plantar fascia is strained it can
repeatedly tear away the lining or tissue that covers the heel bone
resulting in a spur. Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome are terms
that are often used interchangeably. It is important to understand that
individuals with heel spurs may never develop plantar fasciitis or heel
pain, and individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis may never develop
a heel spur. The presence of a spur does not commonly change the
treatment as it is not the primary cause of pain.
About 90% of the time plantar fasciitis is the cause of heel pain. Heel
pain also manifests with a traumatic fracture, a stress fracture, a bone
tumor, a bone bruise, Achilles tendon related bursitis, neuritis, and
Sever’s apophysitis (irritation of the growth plate seen in children).
History, physical exam, radiographs, and sometimes an MRI will determine
the cause of the pain.
Plantar fasciitis can occur in one foot or both. Multiple factors can
contribute to its development. Some of these factors include certain
types of activities, a sudden increase in activity, an occupation that
involves continued standing or walking, shoes/sneakers that lack
sufficient support, weight gain, pregnancy, inherited poor foot
mechanics, flat feet, and high arched feet.
Symptoms manifest as pain located at the inside of the heel and/or the
bottom of the heel. Pain is usually worse in the morning after getting
out of bed and after periods of non weight bearing such as after a drive
or after being seated for a while. The pain tends to ease up after a few
minutes, but may not completely disappear. It may be intense at the end
of the day as well. Individuals who have been suffering with the
condition for several months may experience discomfort constantly.
Commonly, the heel does not appear to be discolored or swollen.
Treatment involves multiple modalities. Patients should be aware that
the condition can linger for many months even after implementing a
treatment program. Treatment may include oral medication, injection
therapy, ice, particular stretching exercises, physical therapy,
strapping, night splints, arch supports or custom orthotics, modifying
shoes, and rest from certain activities. Should these modalities fail to
provide complete relief other treatments can be considered such as extra
corporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT), radiofrequency lesioning,
cryotherapy, and surgery. If surgery is agreed upon, the procedure can
be performed in a same day surgery setting under IV sedation and local
anesthesia. Continued use of orthotics is recommended after the surgery.
Treatment must be twofold. It must be aimed at both eliminating the
inflammation as well as addressing the source of the condition to
prevent recurrence.
Article written by Dr. Corinne Gehegan
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