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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and can affect anyone. On the bottom of your foot, a long band of tissue connects your toes to your heel bone. This tissue is called your “plantar fascia”. When this becomes inflamed, it is called “plantar fasciitis”. At Foot and Ankle Speciality Group we will help you diagnose and get the correct plantar fasciitis treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita.

What is the Main Symptom?

Pain from plantar fasciitis feels like a sharp stabbing in the heel or on the sole of the foot. The pain is often worse in the morning or after a long period of sitting. It doesn’t typically flare up during exercise, but after exercising you may feel it come back again.

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Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Your doctor may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your plantar fasciitis, but there are known risks (see the section below). Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. They carry all of your weight and have to maintain balance and agility. This means they end up enduring a lot of abuse throughout the day. The plantar fascia supports your arch and absorbs shock, and when the plantar fascia is repeatedly stretched too far or has too much to absorb, small tears can develop. Next, this tissue becomes inflamed, leading to the stabbing pain of plantar fasciitis.

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Women's Foot Being Examined.
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What Puts Someone at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

Several factors can raise your risk for plantar fasciitis. Age (especially 40–60), excess weight, and jobs that involve standing or walking for long periods—like teaching or nursing—can all strain the plantar fascia. High-impact activities such as running or dancing may also contribute to inflammation and pain.

Foot structure matters, too. Flat feet or high arches can affect how you walk and increase stress on the fascia. Poor footwear without arch support can worsen symptoms. If you're noticing ongoing heel pain, it's best to act early. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Group, we offer expert plantar fasciitis treatment in Newport Beach to ease pain and help you move comfortably again.

Diagnosis

Doctors will not normally order any type of imaging to diagnose plantar fasciitis. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and the location of your pain. However, your physician may want an x-ray done just to rule out other causes of pain. Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to bone spurs, which will show up on an x-ray. In general, though, unless used to rule out other causes, you should not need an x-ray for a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

Complications

Some incidences of plantar fasciitis may go away on their own without intervention, but if the inflammation doesn’t subside, it can cause more debilitating pain. You will naturally walk differently in an attempt to alleviate the pain, which can lead to knee, back, and hip problems in the future. This is when you would want a specialist to go over plantar fasciitis treatments in Newport Beach.

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At-Home Plantar Fasciitis Treatment 

Doctors generally recommend a conservative approach to treating plantar fasciitis. This means taking over-the-counter pain and inflammation relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. 

You can also apply ice to the inflamed area and rest the foot to alleviate the pain. There are also stretches that you can do at home. One common and very effective exercise is to roll a cold can of frozen juice under your foot. The rolling motion stretches and strengthens the plantar fascia, while the coldness of the can alleviates the pain.

When Medical Intervention is Needed

If conservative approaches are not working and you need more help than the home plantar fasciitis treatment listed above — or if your pain is making it difficult to function — a medical-grade plantar fasciitis treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita may be needed:.

  • Physical Therapy
  • Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. A physical therapist will teach you how to do the exercises and probably push you more than you would do on your own. They can also teach you how to do athletic taping. 
  • Supports/Orthotics
  • Another treatment option is wearing special supports or placing custom orthotics in your shoes.
  • Injections
  • Your doctor may recommend injections of either a steroid or a platelet-rich plasma (PRP). With an ultrasound guiding the injections, these can provide relief from the pain without risking a rupture of the tissue.
  • Tenex Procedure
  • A minimally invasive procedure called the Tenex procedure can eliminate some of the scarring associated with plantar fasciitis.
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Dr. Aziz has been my podiatrist for years.  She has treated me successfully for several different foot/toe injuries each time I have seen her.  My most recent visit was due to an injured Achilles tendon as well as plantar fasciitis. Dr. Aziz recommended a stem cell injection to assist in the healing process.  WOW DID IT WORK!!! Four weeks later and my Achilles tendon is completely healed … no pain whatsoever.  I am so happy.  Thank you so much Dr. Aziz as well as your entire staff who are always extremely efficient, personable and helpful!

Mary B.

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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Foot and Ankle Speciality Group Inc.

If you’ve been noticing stabbing pain in your foot, it’s a good idea to see your podiatrist. Caught early, pain from plantar fasciitis can be significantly improved with the right care. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Group, we provide trusted plantar fasciitis treatment in Newport Beach, tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Founded in 2001 by Dr. Salma Aziz, the practice is built on time-tested methods and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Dr. Aziz takes the time to fully understand each case and craft personalized treatment plans, earning her a respected place in both the Rancho Santa Margarita and Newport Beach communities. With the additions of Dr. Petrina Yokay and Dr. Jessica Arneson, and the specialized expertise they bring, our team is proud to offer comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.

FAQs

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

When should I see a podiatrist?

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

A podiatrist can often diagnose plantar fasciitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, imaging like X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions or assess the extent of the inflammation.

What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

Treatment often begins with conservative methods like rest, ice, stretching exercises, orthotics, and supportive footwear. For more persistent cases, we offer advanced plantar fasciitis treatment in Newport Beach, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, injections, and other minimally invasive options.

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

Recovery varies by individual and the severity of the condition. With proper treatment, most patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks, though full recovery may take several months.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

In some cases, mild plantar fasciitis may improve with rest and self-care. However, if pain persists or worsens, it’s important to seek professional treatment to prevent long-term issues.

When should I see a podiatrist?

If you’ve had heel pain for more than a week, or if it's affecting your ability to walk or perform daily activities, schedule an appointment. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

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