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Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

Scheffel Foot Center Our Services Plantar Fasciitis

Scheffel Foot Center

Podiatry located in Worcester, MA & Clinton, MA

Do you jump out of bed in the morning only to be met with searing pain in your heels when you take your first steps? It’s more than likely that you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. At Scheffel Foot Center, Dr. John Scheffel has considerable experience helping his patients in Worcester, Massachusetts, gain the upper hand on this painful condition. To find relief from plantar fasciitis, call or request an appointment using the online scheduler.

Plantar Fasciitis Q & A

What is plantar fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your toes to your heel. This connective tissue is strung extremely taut and provides support and shock absorption for the arches of your feet.

In providing this support, you may develop tiny tears in the tissue, which leads to inflammation and the signature pain that comes with plantar fasciitis.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis makes itself known through pain, especially when you take your first steps in the morning or after a period of rest. The pain is usually a stabbing or burning sensation that makes walking difficult, but it usually subsides quickly as the tissue stretches out after your first few steps.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

While the tiny tears in the plantar fascia are at the heart of plantar fasciitis, how these tears develop varies from one person to the next. The most common risk factors for this condition include:

  • Exercise, especially activities that overtax this tissue, such as running
  • Spending long hours on your feet
  • Carrying extra weight
  • Age — the condition typically strikes between the ages of 40 and 60
  • Bad foot mechanics, including high or low arches
  • Problems with your gait

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t come on as a result of an acute injury, but, rather, develops over time.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

After Dr. Scheffel reviews your symptoms and confirms plantar fasciitis, he comes up with a treatment plan that best addresses your problem and your goals. Dr. Scheffel typically takes a multi-pronged approach, which may include one or more of the following:

  • Medications to control the pain and inflammation
  • Physical therapy and stretching exercises
  • Splinting or taping
  • Orthotics

These measures are usually very effective in alleviating the pain that comes with plantar fasciitis. If your pain persists, however, Dr. Scheffel may turn to corticosteroid injections or sound wave therapy. Surgery is rarely required for plantar fasciitis.

If you want relief from the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, call Scheffel Foot Center or use the online scheduler to book an appointment.

Conditions & Treatments