Plantar Fasciitis Specialist – Dr. Danielle Shaper, DPM

At Finesse Footcare, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, a common and often painful issue. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help alleviate the discomfort and prevent future occurrences.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that stretches across the bottom of the foot. This ligament connects the heel bone to the toes and plays a vital role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement, such as walking, running, or standing. When the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overused, it can lead to irritation and swelling, resulting in pain, especially in the heel area. When the plantar fascia is overly strained, it can lead to inflammation and significant pain, often described as a stabbing sensation. This pain is usually most intense with the first steps of the day or after prolonged periods of rest.

Understanding the root causes of plantar fasciitis is essential to effective treatment and prevention. At Finesse Footcare, we consider various factors, including:

• Overuse and Activity Level: Our specialists evaluate your daily activities and recommend adjustments to reduce strain on your feet.
• Footwear Assessment: We assess your current footwear and suggest supportive options to alleviate stress on the plantar fascia.
• Biomechanical Analysis: Our team examines your foot mechanics to address issues like flat feet or high arches that may contribute to the condition.
• Weight Management: We offer advice on weight management to reduce pressure on your feet.
• Comprehensive Care for Associated Conditions: If you have diabetes or other medical conditions, we integrate care strategies to address these alongside your plantar fasciitis treatment.

The best doctor to see for plantar fasciitis is typically a podiatrist, a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists are experts in the structure and function of the feet and can offer a range of treatments for plantar fasciitis, including conservative therapies such as physical therapy, custom orthotics, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgical options if other treatments are not effective.

If needed, an orthopedic specialist who focuses on musculoskeletal issues can also be a great option for treating plantar fasciitis. These doctors specialize in bone and joint health and can provide in-depth assessments of foot structure, gait, and alignment. They may collaborate with other specialists, like physical therapists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, they can guide patients through advanced treatment options, such as shockwave therapy or surgery, when necessary.

We understand that plantar fasciitis is a common and painful condition affecting many of our patients. This inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes, can significantly impact your daily life, particularly during weight-bearing activities.

Tailored Treatment Options: Managing plantar fasciitis requires a personalized approach based on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Treatment options typically start with conservative measures designed to reduce pain, inflammation, and tension in the foot. These approaches may include:

Conservative Management
• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that aggravate the condition is important for recovery. Lifestyle adjustments help prevent further strain on the foot.
• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that aggravate the condition is important for recovery. Lifestyle adjustments help prevent further strain on the foot.
• Stretching and Exercise Regimens: A personalized stretching program focusing on the plantar fascia and calf muscles can improve flexibility and relieve tension.
• Custom Orthotics: Footwear supports, either custom-made or over-the-counter, can provide the necessary cushioning and alignment for the feet.
• Footwear Selection: Choosing well-fitting shoes that offer support to the foot structure is crucial in minimizing pain and avoiding further damage.
• Night Splints: Wearing night splints helps to maintain the foot in a dorsiflexed position overnight, reducing morning pain and stiffness.

Advanced Physical Therapy:
• Manual Therapy Techniques: Techniques like massage and mobilization can relieve tension in the plantar fascia and improve flexibility.
• Ultrasound and Shockwave Therapy: These therapies can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected tissues.

Injection Therapies:
• Cortisone Injections: Steroid injections can provide targeted relief from inflammation when conservative treatments are insufficient.
• PRP Injections: Platelet-rich plasma injections may be used to promote healing by utilizing the body’s natural growth factors.

• Advanced Interventions: If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, extracorporeal shockwave therapy can be considered a non-invasive treatment option. Surgery is generally a last resort, recommended only when other treatments fail to provide relief.

Plantar fasciitis treatment should be tailored to each individual. Evaluating factors such as pain severity, activity level, and any underlying health conditions helps in creating a treatment plan that addresses the root causes of the issue. Additionally, managing weight and addressing any biomechanical issues can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall foot health.

Plantar fasciitis, characterized by pain in the heel and arch due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, requires a nuanced approach for effective treatment. At Finesse Footcare, we prioritize a personalized treatment plan that considers the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your lifestyle.

Recovery time for plantar fasciitis varies, but many people start feeling relief within a few weeks with rest, ice, stretching, and proper footwear. Full recovery may take several months, particularly for more severe cases. However, full recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, especially for individuals with more chronic or severe cases. The key to faster recovery is consistency in following the treatment plan and making lifestyle adjustments to avoid activities that could worsen the condition.

For those who do not see significant improvement with conservative treatments, more advanced interventions like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or shockwave therapy may be necessary. In such cases, recovery time may be extended, but these treatments can help accelerate healing. Surgery is generally only considered when other methods fail, and it may require several months of recovery. Throughout the process, maintaining a healthy weight, improving foot biomechanics, and adhering to a prescribed rehabilitation plan can all contribute to a quicker recovery.

Our team at Finesse Footcare is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey. By working closely with you, we aim to not only treat the symptoms but address the root causes of your plantar fasciitis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us or book online. We are conveniently located at 5035 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124. We serve patients from Lyndhurst OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Beachwood OH, Pepper Pike OH, Woodmere OH, Hunting Valley OH, Solon OH, Mayfield OH, Moreland Hills OH, Orange OH and surrounding areas.