Plantar Fasciitis

A bump at the base of the big toe caused by the toe joint drifting out of alignment, making shoes painful and crowding the other toes.

Bunions

Irritation of the thick band under the foot where it attaches to the heel bone, causing stabbing heel pain with the first steps of the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis

Wear of the cartilage in the ankle joint, usually years after a fracture or repeated sprains, causing deep aching, stiffness and pain with every step.

Ankle Arthritis

Overuse irritation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, either in its middle or where it attaches to the heel, causing pain and stiffness above the heel with activity.

Achilles Tendinitis

An ankle that keeps rolling or giving way long after the original sprain, because the outer ligaments healed stretched and loose.

Ankle Instability

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band running from the heel to the toes that supports the arch.

Repetitive strain where it attaches to the heel bone causes micro-tears and degeneration, more than true inflammation.It is the most common cause of heel pain in adults and almost always resolves without surgery.

At a glance

Also calledHeel spur syndrome

Most commonAges 40 to 60, runners

First stepExam, rarely imaging

Treated by

Daniel Hoopes, MD, Foot and Ankle surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. HoopesFoot and Ankle

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

or call801-640-0000

Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing pain under the heel with the first steps out of bed or after sitting, easing after a few minutes of walking, then returning after long periods on your feet.Tenderness at the inner front edge of the heel. Tight calves.

Common signs

Stabbing heel pain, first steps

Eases after a few minutes

Returns after long standing

Tight calves

See us sooner if

Numbness or burning in the heel

Pain after a specific injury

Plantar Fasciitis

Causes

Tight calf muscles, a sudden increase in standing, walking or running, unsupportive footwear, flat or high-arched feet, and excess weight.It is common in runners and in people who stand all day on hard floors.Age forty to sixty is the peak.

Plantar Fasciitis

How We Diagnose It

The diagnosis is by history and exam.X-rays may show a heel spur, which is a result of the strain rather than the cause and does not need removal. Ultrasound or MRI is used when a stress fracture, nerve entrapment or fascia tear is suspected.Achilles problems are checked for because they travel together.Runners and people who stand all day on hard floors are our most common heel pain patients; nearly all resolve without surgery. Dr. Hoopes operates at Utah Valley Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment Options

Calf and fascia stretching several times daily, supportive shoes and inserts, activity modification and a night splint resolve most cases over six to twelve weeks. Anti-inflammatories help.Persistent cases may receive a corticosteroid injection, shockwave therapy or PRP. Surgical release is reserved for the rare case that fails everything for a year.

Your options

Non-surgical

Calf and arch stretching

Supportive shoes

Night splint

Injection or shockwave

Surgical

Release, rarely

Biologic Treatments

Achilles Tendon Repair

Plantar Fasciitis

Procedures That Address It

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Biologic Treatments

Achilles Tendon Repair

Plantar Fasciitis

Surgeons Who Treat It

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330