What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, involving inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. It causes a stabbing pain that typically occurs with first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Dr Shahrukh Khan at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provides comprehensive heel pain management.
Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?
- Runners and those who engage in high-impact sports
- People who are overweight (increased stress on the plantar fascia)
- People with flat feet or high arches
- Those who stand for long hours on hard surfaces
- Age 40–60 (most commonly affected)
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support
Symptoms
- Sharp stabbing pain near the heel
- Worst pain with first steps in the morning
- Pain that decreases with movement but returns after long periods of standing
- Pain that worsens after (not during) exercise
- Tenderness along the inner heel
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical. X-ray may show heel spurs (calcium deposits). Ultrasound can confirm plantar fascia thickening and inflammation.
Treatment
Conservative Treatment (90% Effective)
- Stretching exercises: Calf stretches, towel stretches
- Night splints: Keep the foot dorsiflexed overnight
- Supportive footwear and orthotics: Custom insoles
- NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief
- Ice massage: Roll frozen water bottle under foot
- Weight loss: Reduces stress on the heel
Intermediate Treatment
- Corticosteroid injections (effective but limited to 2–3)
- Shockwave therapy (ESWT) – non-invasive, excellent results
- PRP injections
Surgical Treatment
Plantar fascia release surgery is considered only when all conservative measures fail after 12 months. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique available.
Expert heel pain treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
