Plantar Fasciitis

TRU Foot and Ankle Jason Khadavi, DPM Our Services Plantar Fasciitis

TRU Foot and Ankle

Jason Khadavi, DPM

Clinical Medicine and Podiatry Surgery & Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Encino, CA & Beverly Hills, CA

Each year, millions of Americans seek relief from foot and heel pain that limits their physical activity and quality of life. If you struggle with pain when you walk, you may be suffering from a condition called plantar fasciitis. Jason Khadavi, DPM, and the team at TRU Foot and Ankle have years of experience providing comprehensive podiatric care to people of all ages. The practice has offices in the greater Los Angeles area in Beverly Hills and Encino, California. For effective plantar fasciitis treatment, call your nearest office or schedule an appointment online.

Plantar Fasciitis Q & A

What is plantar fasciitis?

One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, typically affects men and women between 40 and 60. Long-distance runners, ballerinas, and other athletes may feel plantar fasciitis pain even earlier in life due to activities that excessively stress their heels. 

When the thick ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes — the plantar fascia, which also supports your arch — weakens or is irritated, you feel pain. 

Symptoms are often at their worst when you first stand up or begin to walk after getting out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis pain may also occur after long periods of standing, and it gets worse after exercise, as opposed to while you’re participating in an activity.

Plantar fasciitis may also affect adults who stand on their feet many hours each day. It can also be the result of wear-and-tear as you get older. 

The tension and stress on your plantar fascia may result in small tears in the ligament. This damage leads to stabbing heel pain or pain across the bottom of your foot.

Who is at risk for plantar fasciitis?

The most common risk factors that contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis pain include individuals with:

  • Very high arches or flat feet
  • Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
  • Occupations that involve walking or standing on hard surfaces many hours each day
  • Extra weight/obesity
  • History of wearing unsupportive shoes, or shoes that don’t fit properly
  • A history of repetitive impact due to running and jumping

 Additionally, women tend to be at higher risk for developing plantar fasciitis than men.

What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

If you experience chronic heel pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical care before you develop bone spurs on your heel — a common occurrence for those with plantar fasciitis. 

The team at TRU Foot and Ankle expertly diagnoses and treats plantar fasciitis pain using the latest techniques and procedures. These may include:

  • Custom foot orthotics to provide adequate support in your shoes
  • Physical therapy or stretching exercises to release tight calf muscles
  • Medications to reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Wearing therapeutic night splints that stretch ligaments and muscles
  • Injections to promote healing of the tissue from within

The team of foot experts treats your condition conservatively at first to relieve underlying causes of strain and provide prompt relief from painful symptoms. As a last resort, a surgical procedure to release tension in your plantar fascia may provide long-term relief.

Call one of the locations in the Greater Los Angeles area or schedule an appointment online to get relief from chronic plantar fasciitis pain.