PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Pacific Podiatry
Valerie Valdivieso-Diaz, DPM
Podiatry located in Miami, FL
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running under the bottom of the heel that supports the foot’s natural arch. If you’ve been experiencing pain in one or both heels that’s making walking uncomfortable, plantar fasciitis is a likely cause, but you should visit with Valerie Valdivieso-Diaz, DPM, of Pacific Podiatry in Miami to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz is an experienced podiatrist who provides welcoming and professional service for anyone with foot or ankle problems. To make an appointment today, call the clinic or book online.
Plantar Fasciitis – Q&A
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the supportive tissue on the sole of your foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed due to being put under too much stress. People who have structural defects in their feet such as high arches or overly flat feet are particularly likely to get plantar fasciitis because these conditions place additional strain on the plantar fascia.
Being overweight or spending too much time on your feet, particularly if you have a predisposition to plantar fasciitis or you wear unsupportive shoes, is a common cause of inflammation in the plantar fascia.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and how is it diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis usually presents with symptoms of pain that are worse when starting to move around after a rest period or when getting out of bed. This pain typically lessens after the first few minutes but may get worse again if the patient keeps walking or standing.
During your appointment with Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz, she takes a detailed medical history and examines your foot for signs of plantar fasciitis or possible alternative causes for your foot pain. She may ask for X-rays of your foot or perform other diagnostic imaging procedures to confirm her diagnosis and make a detailed examination of the interior structures of your foot.
What treatments are there for plantar fasciitis?
In the first instance, there are effective treatments you can try at home, such as:
- Using ice packs and taking pain-killing medication to reduce inflammation
- Resting the foot as much as possible
- Wearing supportive shoes or insoles
- Practicing stretching exercises for the lower legs
If these methods fail to give you relief from your heel pain, Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz tries one or more of the following treatments:
- Foot strapping and taping to provide support
- Custom orthotic insoles
- Corticosteroid injections to help reduce pain and inflammation
- Night splints that extend the plantar fascia
- Removable casts that keep your foot still and relieve pressure
- Physical therapy and an individually designed exercise program
If you’re still experiencing pain after trying noninvasive treatments, you may need to have surgery for your plantar fasciitis. Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz is skilled at determining which treatment options suit individual people, and she spends time with each patient discussing the best approach to take.
For plantar fasciitis treatment, call Pacific Podiatry to make an appointment with Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz or book online today.
SERVICES WE OFFER
Patient Insurance
We are proud to participate with several government and commercial insurance plans. The Pacific Podiatry Center accepts most major insurance plans. We also welcome patients without insurance.
Please call our office at (786) 322-3111 and we will be happy to provide information regarding out-of-pocket costs.