Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain. It often feels like a sharp stab in the heel when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain can also return after standing for long hours or after exercise. For many in Johns Creek, this condition makes walking and daily activities uncomfortable.
The good news is that plantar fasciitis treatment can bring relief. Care ranges from simple stretches and shoe changes to advanced medical procedures. Knowing what plantar fasciitis is, its symptoms, and what causes plantar fasciitis helps you find the right solution. If needed, plantar fasciitis surgery is also an option. Johns Creek podiatrists offer proven treatments to help patients get back on their feet without pain.
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What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. This band acts like a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot.
When the plantar fascia is strained, tiny tears can develop. Over time, this leads to swelling, stiffness, and sharp heel pain. The discomfort is usually worse in the morning or after long periods of rest.
In short, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people experience heel pain. It can affect athletes, people on their feet all day, or anyone who places extra stress on the feet.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when too much stress is placed on the plantar fascia ligament. Repeated strain leads to small tears, swelling, and pain in the heel. Several factors can increase your risk:
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Foot structure – Flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles can place extra tension on the ligament.
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Improper footwear – Shoes with poor support or worn-out soles do not absorb impact well.
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Overuse – Runners, athletes, and people who stand or walk for long hours often develop this condition.
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Age – Plantar fasciitis is most common between ages 40 and 60.
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Weight – Extra body weight adds pressure to the feet and arches.
Each of these factors makes the plantar fascia work harder than it should, leading to irritation and heel pain.
Common Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis often begins with mild heel pain, but over time the discomfort can become sharp and persistent. In most cases, the pain feels worse in the morning when taking the first steps out of bed. After walking for a while, the pain may ease, but it often returns later in the day.
Typical symptoms include:
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Sharp heel pain – This pain is strongest when you first stand up or after long periods of rest.
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Stiffness in the heel and arch – The foot may feel tight, especially after exercise.
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Pain after activity – Although the pain may improve during activity, it often flares up once you stop.
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Swelling or tenderness – The heel may feel sore to the touch, making shoes uncomfortable.
Because these symptoms can get worse without treatment, it is important to seek care early. With proper treatment, many people in Johns Creek find relief and return to normal activities.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, but the good news is there are many ways to reduce symptoms. At first, most patients improve with simple, non-surgical treatments. Because every case is different, the right plan often combines several methods.
Conservative treatment options include:
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Rest and ice – Taking a break from high-impact activity and applying ice can lower swelling.
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Stretching exercises – Gentle stretches for the calf and arch improve flexibility. As a result, pressure on the plantar fascia decreases.
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Supportive footwear – Shoes with cushioning and arch support ease daily strain. In addition, custom orthotics provide tailored relief.
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Anti-inflammatory medications – These help reduce pain and swelling.
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Night splints – Wearing a splint at night keeps the foot in a stretched position. Therefore, morning heel pain is less severe.
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MLS laser therapy – This non-invasive treatment speeds healing and lowers inflammation.
In many cases, these methods provide lasting relief within months. However, if symptoms continue, advanced treatments may be recommended.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
In most cases, plantar fasciitis improves with non-surgical care. However, some patients continue to struggle with heel pain even after months of treatment. When this happens, surgery may be considered.
The most common procedure is called plantar fascia release surgery. During this treatment, the surgeon carefully cuts part of the plantar fascia to relieve tension. As a result, pressure on the heel decreases and pain improves.
Recovery after surgery usually takes several weeks. Patients often wear a walking boot or use crutches for support. Over time, physical therapy helps restore strength and flexibility. Because healing is gradual, it may take a few months to return to full activity.
Although surgery can be effective, it is only recommended when other options fail. Therefore, it is important to explore conservative care first with a Johns Creek podiatrist.
Get Relief: Johns Creek Plantar Fasciitis Specialists
Heel pain should not hold you back from enjoying daily life. At Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Johns Creek, patients receive local, personalized care designed to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Our podiatrists understand that every case is different, and they take the time to create treatment plans that match each patient’s needs.
Because of their expertise, you have access to a full range of options, from conservative care to advanced procedures. This includes custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, and when needed, plantar fasciitis surgery. In addition, our team focuses on long-term recovery, making sure you can return to the activities you enjoy without discomfort.
If you are searching for trusted plantar fasciitis treatment in Johns Creek, our specialists are here to help. Don’t wait for heel pain to get worse—call us today at 770-418-0456 or schedule an appointment online.
