Plantar Fasciitis Specialist
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Willamette Foot & Ankle
Myles Knutson, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lake Oswego, OR
Each year, more than two million Americans visit a doctor to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis. Though common, without intervention and treatment, plantar fasciitis can interfere with your ability to work or exercise. At Willamette Foot & Ankle, board-certified podiatrist Myles Knutson, DPM, offers complete care for plantar fasciitis. To make an appointment, call the office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, or click the online booking feature today.
Plantar Fasciitis Q&A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes chronic heel pain. It occurs when small tears form in your plantar fascia –– a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes.
Daily activities, like standing up and walking, result in general wear-and-tear, causing your plantar fascia to become inflamed. If the inflammation goes untreated, it results in lasting heel pain.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Most people with plantar fasciitis experience persistent heel pain that gets worse after long periods of sitting or lying down. If you have plantar fasciitis, you might also experience heel pain that’s worse in the morning when you first wake up.
Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?
Anyone can experience plantar fasciitis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being between the ages of 40-60
- Participating in activities that put lots of stress on your heel
- Weight issues
- Abnormal foot mechanics (like flat feet or high arches)
Your job might also increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. That’s especially true if your job requires spending lots of time on your feet, like in a factory or a warehouse.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, Dr. Knutson reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends into other parts of your body, and if it's worse at certain times of the day.
Next, Dr. Knutson conducts an exam. He has you remove your shoes and socks and carefully observes both feet. Dr. Knutson gently presses on your heel to pinpoint areas of sensitivity or swelling. He also has you walk around the exam room to observe your gait.
Afterward, Dr. Knutson orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a CT scan. These procedures can’t identify plantar fasciitis, but they can rule out conditions that present similar symptoms, like fractures or a bone spur.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Dr. Knutson treats plantar fasciitis using a patient-centric approach. Whenever possible, he recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments, including:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Night splints
- Mobility devices like a cane or crutches
- Injections
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Ultrasonic tissue repair
If conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, Dr. Knutson might recommend surgery, but only if all other options have been exhausted.
To learn more about the treatment options for plantar fasciitis, make an appointment at Willamette Foot & Ankle by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.