8255 Greensboro Drive, Suite 150
Mclean, VA 22102
Mon to Thu 8AM - 8PM, Fri 8AM - 3PM, Sat 9AM - 1PM
Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis: Regain Your Step with Next Journey Orthopaedics
Step into Comfort with Next Journey Orthopaedics
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we understand that plantar fasciitis can significantly impact your daily life, causing persistent heel pain and limiting your mobility. Our dedicated team of orthopaedic specialists is committed to providing personalized treatment plans to alleviate your discomfort and restore your active lifestyle.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, supporting the arch of your foot. This condition is a leading cause of heel pain, often resulting from repetitive stress or tension.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Common symptoms include:
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Heel Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
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Stiffness: Tightness in the foot arch, particularly after prolonged inactivity.
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Tenderness: Sensitivity when pressing on the heel or along the arch.
Causes and Risk Factors
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Common Causes:
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Overuse or repetitive strain
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High-impact activities (running, jumping)
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Poor footwear with inadequate support
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Tight calf muscles affecting foot mechanics
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Who Is at Risk?
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Athletes and runners
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Individuals with flat feet or high arches
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Workers who stand for long hours (e.g., nurses, teachers)
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People over 40, as the plantar fascia loses elasticity
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Diagnosing Patellar Tendonitis
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess ligament damage, including:
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Physical Examination – Checking for pain, swelling, and range of motion.
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Imaging Tests – X-rays to rule out fractures, MRI or ultrasound to evaluate ligament tears.
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Joint Stability Tests – Assessing movement limitations to determine severity.
Our precise diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment for a full recovery.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Our approach to treating plantar fasciitis is tailored to your specific needs, focusing on both non-surgical and surgical methods:
Non-Surgical Treatments
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Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that exacerbate heel pain.
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Physical Therapy: Implementing stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and support the plantar fascia.
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Orthotic Devices: Utilizing custom-made shoe inserts to provide arch support and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
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Medications: Prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Night Splints: Wearing splints during sleep to maintain the foot in a dorsiflexed position, promoting gentle stretching of the plantar fascia.
Advanced Therapies
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Applying sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic cases unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Surgical Intervention
If non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered:
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Plantar Fascia Release: A procedure where the surgeon carefully cuts part of the plantar fascia ligament to release tension, reducing stress and alleviating pain.
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Gastrocnemius Recession: Surgically lengthening the calf muscles to decrease tension on the plantar fascia, beneficial for patients with tight calf muscles contributing to their condition.
Why Choose Next Journey Orthopaedics?
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Expertise: Our orthopaedic surgeons have had years of experience treating plantar fasciitis.
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State-of-the-Art Technology – We utilize advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques for precise treatment.
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Personalized Care: We develop individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle
FAQs
What are the most common ligament injuries?
The most common ligament injuries include:
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ACL tears (knee) – Often caused by sudden stops or changes in direction.
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Ankle sprains – Result from twisting or rolling the ankle.
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MCL injuries (knee) – Occur due to direct impact or excessive knee bending.
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Wrist sprains – Usually caused by falls onto an outstretched hand.
If you experience pain, swelling, or joint instability, it's best to seek an orthopaedic evaluation.
How long does it take to recover from a ligament injury?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury:
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Mild sprains (Grade 1): 2-4 weeks with proper rest and rehabilitation.
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Partial tears (Grade 2): 6-8 weeks with physical therapy and bracing.
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Complete ligament tears (Grade 3, requiring surgery): 4-9 months, depending on the ligament and rehabilitation progress.
A customized recovery plan from our orthopaedic specialists can help speed up healing and prevent future injuries.
When should I see an orthopaedic specialist for a ligament injury?
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
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Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest.
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A "popping" sound at the time of injury.
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Joint instability or difficulty bearing weight.
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Limited range of motion lasting more than a few days.
Early intervention can prevent further damage and ensure the best treatment outcome. Book an appointment at Next Journey Orthopaedics today!