Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia attaches into the heel bone and fans out toward the ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. If this ligament is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause pain.
Cortisone injections, used in the treatment of heel pain, are also used for the treatment of plantar fasciitis at times. However, the main emphasis of treatment is to reduce the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to stretch excessively. This includes calf muscle stretching, over the counter arch supports, orthotics, and sub-talar implants. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be useful in controlling the pain.

Dr. Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist practicing in McKinney, Texas. www.mckinneyfootcenter.com. His office phone number is 972-542-2155.