Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners, likely because it is most commonly caused by a strain injury which causes micro tears to the ligament as it attaches to the heel bone. Patients often describe a stabbing or shooting pain in the heel as the initial symptoms. This foot pain generally starts from your first steps after getting out of bed in the morning, and although it decreases after walking around, the pain often returns after long periods of sitting down or standing.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Patients with Plantar Fasciitis often describe a feeling of pain in their heel from their initial steps of the day. The main symptoms include: heel pain, foot pain, stiffness and tenderness. The plantar fascia absorbs shock as you walk, and excess tension and stress on this muscle can irritate or inflame it, leading to small tears.

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel
Pain with the first few steps of the day
Pain after long periods of standing or when you stand up after a long period of rest
Greater heel or foot pain after exercise or activity (but not during)

People of all ages can experience these problems, but plantar fasciitis is common among:

Older individuals
Athletes that do long-distance running or high impact sports and training,
Occupations that keep you on your feet
Those with excess weight gain
People who wear shoes with inadequate arch support

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Your foot doctor or podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of your foot and if you have a high arch and tenderness on the bottom of your foot near the heel bone with limited flexion of the foot. Typically, diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRI’s are not required to properly diagnose plantar fasciitis.

Nonsurgical Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis can be treated over time without the need for imaging or surgery including:

Rest and icing the painful area
Making adjustments to your footwear: Wearing shoes with a stiff bottom and supportive arch, (not worn-out athletic shoes)
Custom orthotics
Physical Therapy and stretching
A cortisone-type of steroid injection into the heel (Response to these injections varies)
Tylenol or anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Ibuprofen)
A night splint that supports the arch of your foot while you are sleeping
Changing your sport from high impact to low impact such as swimming or bicycling

Symptoms from plantar fasciitis can take up to six months to subside with consistent non-surgical treatment.

Surgical Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

If conservative measures are not working after 12 months or longer, you may have chronic plantar fasciitis. Few people will need surgery to relieve their symptoms, but if your foot surgeon or podiatrist does recommend Plantar fascia release, this procedure involves detaching the plantar fascia ligament from the bone to release tension and relieve inflammation of the ligament. If you have a large bone spur, it will also be removed during the procedure. It can be done as an open surgery or by inserting instruments through small incisions (endoscopic surgery) with local anesthesia. While this procedure can be done endoscopically, it can be more difficult than with the open incision technique and can have a higher risk of nerve damage.

Very few people need surgery for their plantar fasciitis, but it’s important to seek treatment if you’re experiencing pain in your heel so you can develop the best course of treatment with your doctor.

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Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Plantar Fasciitis

Treating plantar fasciitis and finding a treatment program that gets you back on your feet and fully active, begins with seeking attention from top foot surgeons and podiatrist who prioritize the health and unique goals of patients. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, we are dedicated to providing sound orthopedic care and comprehensive patient-focused services in state-of-the-art facilities.

To learn more about how we can treat your foot pain call (949) 890-0464 or click below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

During your first appointment with a foot and ankle specialist at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms and build a treatment plan tailored to you.
Your foot doctor will review your medical history, ask about your activity level and goals, and perform a hands-on exam. Depending on your condition, they may use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in greater detail.
Throughout the visit, your foot and ankle doctor will explain their findings, answer your questions, and walk you through your treatment options, whether conservative or surgical. You’ll leave with a clear plan and confidence that your care is in expert hands.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our foot and ankle doctors provide both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your specific condition and long-term goals. Non-surgical treatments may include rest, bracing, physical therapy, orthotics, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound therapy, and activity modification..
When surgery is the most effective option, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. These procedures have been proven to reduce pain, speed recovery, and support better long-term function.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or chronic instability, your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist will develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain and restoring mobility — so you can get back on your feet again.
Scheduling an appointment with a highly qualified foot doctor is quick and convenient at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Please request a consultation online or call (949) 890-0464 to speak directly with our team. They’ll match you with the right foot and ankle specialist based on your needs and availability.
Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or advanced treatment, one of our trusted foot and ankle doctors will provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and a personalized treatment plan for your recovery. We prioritize clear communication and patient-focused care from the first call to your first visit. Let's help you take the next step with confidence.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, board-certified foot doctors and fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists deliver exceptional care using today’s most advanced techniques. Whether you're facing chronic foot pain, sports injuries, or complex conditions, our foot and ankle doctors create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal faster and move with a greater range of motion.
Our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that support quicker recovery with fewer complications. From diagnosis to rehab, every step of your care is guided by trusted foot and ankle specialists focused on your comfort and goals.
Patients choose our expert foot doctors for personalized care backed by innovation, compassion, and consistently excellent outcomes.