PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Pain in the heel is often a common problem known as plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the sole of your foot that is one of the structures that helps in support of your arch.  If this becomes tight and inflammed where it attaches at the heel bone (due to trauma, new shoes, change in activity, increased weight or certain foot shapes), this can be quite painful especially with your first steps of the day.  Treatments such as orthotics, shoe changes, rest, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy should help in 85-90% of patients with relief in 2-12 months.  If you've tried this and are still having problems, ultrasound guided biologic injections could be considered. Surgery is rarely required for this problem.