Our Services / Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful overuse injury that affects the heel. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– develops small tears due to activities like walking and exercise. Over the years, these small tears become inflamed, causing sharp, shooting pain at the back of your heel.  

Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond to at-home treatments, like ice and rest, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact Dr. Sadoughi at Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, right away.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain at the base of your heel
• Intense pain after exercise
• Pain in the arch of your foot
• A swollen heel
• Heel pain after periods of sitting or lying down

As the condition worsens, you might also experience a tight or stiff Achilles tendon.

Who is at risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis?

Several factors may increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Being middle-aged 
• Being overweight
• Working a job that requires you to stand for extended periods
• High-impact exercises that put stress on your heel

You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you have an underlying foot problem, like flat foot, high arches, or an abnormal gait. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

At Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sadoughi diagnoses plantar fasciitis during an in-office visit.

First, he reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it's worse at certain times of the day, and if it improves with ice or anti-inflammatory medication.

Next, he examines your heel, gently pressing on it to pinpoint areas of tenderness or sensitivity. Dr. Sadoughi also has you walk around the exam room and perform a series of easy exercises so he can observe your gait and foot mechanics. 

If Dr. Sadoughi thinks your heel pain is due to a different problem, like a fracture or a bone spur, he might also order X-rays.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

At Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle, Dr. Sadoughi treats plantar fasciitis using conservative, noninvasive measures whenever possible. Depending on your age and the severity of your symptoms, he might recommend:

• Physical therapy
• A night splint
• Custom orthotics 
• A walking boot
• A cane or crutches
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, or your symptoms worsen, Dr. Sadoughi might recommend surgery. During plantar fasciitis surgery, he uses special tools to release your plantar fascia ligament from your heel bone. 

To explore the different treatment options for plantar fasciitis, make an appointment at Chevy Chase Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.