Even the smallest tasks can be uncomfortable when suffering from heel pain. If you experience heel pain, particularly when walking to work, exercising, or standing for long periods, it may be due to Plantar Fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults. Our priority at Discover Optimal Healthcare is to help you discover the underlying cause of your pain and then develop a tailored treatment plan to help you heal for the long term.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? 

Plantar fasciitis develops when excessive stress or strain is placed on the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that lines the bottom of the foot, causing inflammation. This condition typically progresses over time and is very common among runners, those who stand for extended periods of time, and those with poor foot mechanics. 

If not treated properly, symptoms can worsen and start to impact your quality of life and mobility.

Common Symptoms 

The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing or intense pain in or around the heel, especially if you take your first steps out of bed each morning or after sitting for a long time. Additional symptoms can be: 

  • Heel pain after standing or walking 
  • Tenderness along the arch of the foot 
  • Tightness in the calf or Achilles tendon 
  • Increased discomfort after exercise rather than during it 
  • Stiffness that improves with gentle movement 

Chronic pain can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment that can shorten recovery time. 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can develop from repetitive impact, due to the use of poor-fitting footwear, tight calf muscles, excess body weight, and occupations that involve a lot of standing. Additional stresses can be caused by flat feet, high arches, and abnormal walking patterns.

Knowing these factors aids in developing a treatment plan to relieve symptoms and correct the underlying cause.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options 

The first step in our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Brookhaven, PA, is a thorough examination to assess the severity of plantar fascia pain and causes. 

Treatment options include activity modification and stretching exercises, manual therapy, supportive footwear advice, custom orthotics (where appropriate), and other conservative treatments that help to alleviate pain and facilitate healing. 

The aim is to restore functions and enhance mobility and to help you get back to normal activities as safely and efficiently as possible. 

The Benefits of Physical Therapy 

In many patients, Plantar Fasciitis Physical Therapy can be very important to recovery. Physical therapy involves increasing flexibility, building muscle strength around the foot and ankle, modifying movement, and removing stress from the plantar fascia. 

Treatment will involve a structured rehabilitation program to ease discomfort, restore balance and stability, and reduce the chances of re-occurrence of heel pain. Your therapist can also give you exercises to do at home to help maintain your foot health in the long-term. 

Why Choose Discover Optimal Healthcare? 

At Discover Optimal Healthcare, we feel that proper treatment starts with understanding the person, rather than the symptoms. Your recovery plan is tailored to your lifestyle, activity level, and recovery goals. Assisting patients in having heel pain relief and resuming activities with evidence-based therapies and patient-centered care. 

Don't wait for the pain to get worse or for the symptoms of plantar fasciitis to continue if you are having persistent heel pain. Discover Optimal Healthcare provides solutions with full evaluation and tailored treatment strategies to help you get comfortable again. 

Don't Wait, Schedule Your Free Online Consultation Today

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis typically presents with the most pronounced symptoms as a sharp pain at the heel, and usually when first getting up from bed in the morning or getting up from a period of inactivity or a long time seated down. The pain may decrease after some activity, only to return after prolonged standing or walking.
2Can plantar fasciitis go away without treatment?
If the symptoms are mild and proper foot care and rest are initiated, you might experience improvement in plantar fasciitis. However, you can suffer from recurring symptoms without treatment. Timely treatment reduces inflammation, improves flexibility, and prevents your condition from getting chronic.
3What treatments are available for plantar fasciitis?
Treatment varies based on how serious your condition is. It may include stretching exercises, physical therapy, manual therapy, custom orthotics recommendations, supportive footwear, modifications to activities you do, and many other conservative therapies. Your provider will help develop a plan just for you.
4How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
Recovering from plantar fasciitis depends on the individual. Most of my patients will begin feeling better within a few weeks with consistent treatment; however, other patients require many months to recover completely. If you continue your stretching and treatment, you will hasten the process.
5When should I see a healthcare provider for heel pain?
If your heel pain lasts for more than a couple weeks, doesn’t go away, comes back and forth, or is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, or do everyday activities, you should consult with your healthcare professional. Getting evaluated and treated as early as possible may alleviate pain and prevent future problems in the foot.

Patient Reviews

  • Daniel M.
    I am so thankful to have found Discover Optimal Healthcare, The rarety in this business is just outstanding! I wish they started a chain, how unique is it to have an integrated office. From all there welcoming, polite, educated staff they back everything they do up, I have been going there for only a short amount of time and already have seen much improvement. I am so grateful. Thank you all at Discover you truly care and it shows.
    Daniel M.
  • Devon M.
    All of the staff at Discover Optimal Health are friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. They remember your name each time you arrive and create a customized plan for each patient. Highly recommend!
    Devon M.
  • Mara P.
    I truly had an exceptional experience at this practice. The staff is very professional, skilled and friendly! My back already feels better in just one visit!
    Mara P.
  • Matthew T.
    Great healing environment. Always upbeat and super friendly staff. Thanks, Dr. Jason for all that you do.
    Matthew T.
  • Sean C.
    This team of professionals always gets the job done! I have never had a bad experience in the 15 years I've been coming to Dr. Jason.
    Sean C.
  • Kelly M.
    Best place ever!!!! The staff so helpful and energetic and always smiling!! Go above and beyond to make you feel better
    Kelly M.
  • Lauren G.
    I have been suffering for a very long time with back pain and with just one visit I already feel better! The staff is very friendly and helpful! Can’t wait to go back!
    Lauren G.
  • Jennifer D.
    Excellent team. Everyone works together to help you get the best care. And they are all very sweet. Always willing to go above and beyond and listen to their patients. If they don’t have the answer, they will do their best to get it. Highly recommend.
    Jennifer D.
  • Brian T.
    Dr. Jason and his team are the absolute best at what they do. I've been going to Discover Optimal Healthcare for more than 15 years now and they are the reason I'm able to do what I do day in and day out. For someone who suffers from chronic back pain, it would be impossible for me to be where I am today without their continued care and guidance. I'm forever grateful for all they've done and continue to do.
    Brian T.
  • Mary E.
    Discover Optimal Healthcare is by far, the best healthcare experience that I've ever had. There's rarely any waiting for services. Your appointments are actually when they're scheduled! Everyone knows your name when you walk in. The office is super friendly and doesn't feel like an institution. The care is phenomenal! I'm so grateful to the doctors and staff for getting me the help I need to be pain-free! #beyondgrateful #discoveroptimalcare
    Mary E.