Tammy Moore originally believed that her shoes were the culprit of her heel pain. Unfortunately, the fitness instructor’s pain became so intense that it was difficult to even stand up. Moore eventually consulted with a physician, who identified her condition as plantar fasciitis.
The fitness instructor and graphic designer had to pay a hefty price though. Moore has spent $1000 on physical therapy, new shoes, and insoles. It ended up being more than a year before Moore even recovered from her condition. “At the first signs, if you think you have it, start (treatments),” she said. “If I felt it coming back, I think I’d do all these things.”
Plantar fasciitis is also known as heel spurs. If you are struggling with pain in your heels, see podiatrists Dr. Jay G. Levine and Dr. Stephanie Maurais. Our podiatrists can treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
· Ill-fitting shoes
· Weight change
· Excessive running
· Non-supportive shoes
· Overpronation
How Can It Be Treated?
· Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
· Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience. Requires multiple sessions. This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
· Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia. This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.
New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer. For more information about Plantar Fasciitis, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Nanuet, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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