Condition · Heel and Arch

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain can make every step uncomfortable and keep you from doing the things you enjoy.

At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, our doctors have extensive experience diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain. Dr. Jordan Stewart, DPM has treated thousands of patients with plantar fasciitis and has experienced heel pain himself, giving him a personal understanding of how frustrating it can be when foot pain keeps you from staying active.

The good news is that plantar fasciitis is very treatable, and most cases can be treated without surgery. Our doctors start by making sure we understand exactly what’s causing your heel pain. From there, we develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, activity level, and goals.

If heel pain is keeping you from walking, exercising, or doing the things you enjoy, call our office or request an appointment online. We’re here to help get you comfortably back on your feet.

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Call (410) 560-2777

What is plantar fasciitis?

‍Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot, becomes irritated and undergoes repetitive stress.

Pain commonly occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone and is often most noticeable with the first steps after rest. Because several other conditions can cause similar heel pain, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Pain that is worse first thing in the morning or when starting walking after a period of rest.
Pain tends to improve after walking, although in some case the pain stays constant.
Sharp or burning pain in the heel sometimes described as though the heel is "being stabbed with a knife."
Pain is commonly along the inside of the heel and along the arch of the foot and can sometimes be found on the front and outside of the bottom part of the foot

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive foot and ankle examination. Our doctors evaluate the location of your pain, the plantar fascia, foot structure, range of motion, and the way you stand and walk. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the heel and rule out other causes of heel pain. In some cases, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear or another condition is suspected.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated successfully without surgery. Treatment is based on the severity and duration of your symptoms, the structure and mechanics of your foot, your activity level, and treatments you may have already tried.

Recovery takes time because the plantar fascia is repeatedly stressed with standing and walking. Many patients begin to improve within several weeks, but complete recovery may take several months. Following the recommended treatment plan and avoiding activities that repeatedly aggravate the plantar fascia can help prevent setbacks.

Conservative treatment options

Activity modification: Temporarily reduce activities that aggravate heel pain, particularly running, jumping, and other repetitive impact activities. Lower-impact activities such as biking, swimming, and seated strength training can help you remain active while reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
Stretching: Plantar fascia and calf stretching exercises to reduce tension on the plantar fascia and improve flexibility.
Night splints: A night splint may help maintain a gentle stretch of the plantar fascia and calf while sleeping and reduce pain with the first steps in the morning.
Supportive shoes: Properly fitted, supportive footwear can reduce stress on the heel and plantar fascia. Barefoot walking and poorly supportive shoes should generally be avoided during recovery.
Custom foot orthotics: Prescription custom orthotics may be recommended to improve foot mechanics, support the arch, and reduce excessive stress on the plantar fascia.
Ice: Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce pain following activity.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory or other pain-relieving medications may be appropriate for some patients.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to improve flexibility, strength, and lower-extremity mechanics.
Therapeutic laser: Laser therapy may be used as an adjunct to other treatments to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): A non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in chronic or persistent plantar fasciitis.
Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids or a corticosteroid injection may be considered in selected patients to help reduce pain and inflammation when appropriate.
Weight management: When appropriate, weight loss may help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and improve symptoms.

If all conservative intervention fails, then surgical intervention maybe required. Our doctors will determine which procedure is best for you.

When is surgery needed for plantar fasciitis?

Most patients with plantar fasciitis improve with conservative treatment and do not require surgery. Surgery may be considered when heel pain remains persistent despite an appropriate course of non-surgical treatment. The specific procedure depends on the cause of the pain, examination findings, imaging when indicated, and the individual patient.

Surgical treatment options

Plantar fasciotomy: Partial release of the plantar fascia to reduce tension on the painful tissue.
Plantar fasciectomy: Removal of a portion of diseased or damaged plantar fascia in selected cases.
Heel spur removal: A prominent heel spur may be removed when it is determined to be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
Nerve decompression: A compressed or entrapped nerve may be released when nerve involvement is contributing to heel pain.

Illustration of inflammation along the plantar fascia causing heel pain

Patient stories

"For at least 3 years I was battling chronic plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome. I can’t thank Doc enough for taking good care of me. As his peers stated, he is a very precise surgeon whose work is exemplary."

Pat Hargest

"Dr. Stewart and his team at Timonium Foot and Ankle center did a great job with getting me from a walking boot, back to running and through the finish line at the Boston Marathon. I highly recommend their services to anyone experiencing foot or ankle pain or discomfort."

Shawn Pinamonti

Read all Patient Stories

At-home exercise: Calf Stretch

Tight calf muscles pull on the heel and the plantar fascia. Dr. Stewart reviews a calf stretch you can do at home to ease heel pain and support your recovery.

Exercises are general guidance. Follow the plan you were given at your visit and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Plantar Faciitis, Answered

Why does my heel hurt so much in the morning?

Morning heel pain is one of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis. While you sleep, the plantar fascia can tighten at rest. When you take your first steps in the morning, the tissue stretches suddenly, causing sharp pain near the bottom of the heel. Many patients notice the pain improves after walking for a few minutes but returns after prolonged standing or activity.

Can plantar fasciitis be treated without surgery?

Yes. The vast majority of patients improve without surgery. Treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and may include stretching exercises, activity modification, supportive footwear, custom orthotics when appropriate, physical therapy, night splints, laser therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or other conservative treatments. Surgery is considered only when appropriate non-surgical treatment has failed.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?

Recovery varies depending on how long the condition has been present, its severity, and how consistently treatment recommendations are followed. Many patients begin to improve within several weeks, while others require several months for complete recovery. Early treatment often leads to a faster recovery and may help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Is heel pain always plantar fasciitis?

No. Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, other conditions can produce similar symptoms, including stress fractures, nerve entrapment, Achilles tendon disorders, arthritis, heel fat pad syndrome, and inflammatory conditions. An accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Should I keep walking if I have plantar fasciitis?

Staying active is important, but excessive walking, running, and other high-impact activities may aggravate the plantar fascia and delay recovery. Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, our doctors may recommend temporarily reducing impact activities and substituting lower-impact exercise such as cycling, swimming, or seated strength training. Everyday walking can often be continued as tolerated, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Do I need custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis?

Not always immediately, but in our experience, most patients with plantar fasciitis benefit from custom orthotics as part of their long-term treatment plan. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and begin treating the inflammation and pain. Once your symptoms begin to improve, custom orthotics can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia, improve foot function, and lower the risk of the condition returning. Every recommendation is individualized based on your diagnosis, foot structure, activity level, and treatment goals.

Do heel spurs cause plantar fasciitis?

Heel spurs do not necessarily cause plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone and is often associated with long-term stress in this area. Many people have heel spurs without pain. In most cases of plantar fasciitis, the pain comes from the plantar fascia rather than the heel spur itself. X-rays can help identify heel spurs and evaluate other possible causes of heel pain.

Get Started

The Right Treatment for Heel Pain Starts with the Right Diagnosis

Request an appointment today to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for your foot or ankle condition. New patients are welcome, and Medicare and most insurance plans are accepted.

Request an Appointment Call (410) 560-2777