Plantar Fasciitis Specialist
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Neil H Hecht, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Tarzana, CA
Plantar fasciitis and pain go hand-in-hand, but they don’t have to. Dedicated podiatrist Neil H Hecht, DPM, has over 40 years of experience dealing with plantar fasciitis, and he’s ready to start your treatment now. Call the Tarzana, California, office or click on the online appointment maker now. If you’re in serious pain, don’t worry: Same-day appointments are available.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common pain-causing condition characterized by tiny tears in the plantar fascia. Your plantar fascia, the wide connective tissue band that connects your heel and toes, bears a lot of stress from your body weight every day.
Certain factors increase this stress, which leads to micro-tears and serious inflammation within the tissue. Plantar fasciitis is most common in active adults, but it can affect even those who never exercise.
Excess weight plays a role in 70% of plantar fasciitis cases. Standing and exercising on hard surfaces can also play a role.
What are the signs of plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain is the most common sign of plantar fasciitis. In most cases, sharp heel pain occurs first thing in the morning but gets better through the day. This change occurs because your plantar fascia tightens as you sleep.
The first few steps you take each day put pressure on the shortened and irritated tissue, causing severe pain. Your plantar fascia stretches out a bit as you walk, which is why pain lessens through the day. Unfortunately, any period of rest leads to the plantar fascia shortening and the recurrence of symptoms.
Along with the sharp heel pain, you might have tenderness in the foot sole and swelling in the heel area.
Should I see a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis symptoms?
Temporary heel pain that rapidly resolves and never returns might not require treatment. But if you have continuing heel pain or other symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you should see a foot specialist.
Podiatrists like Dr. Hecht have extensive training in foot anatomy, structure, and function. With his 40-plus years of plantar fasciitis experience, Dr. Hecht is the best specialist to diagnose and treat all of your foot and ankle issues.
What is the treatment for plantar fasciitis?
Dr. Hecht performs a clinical foot exam and uses digital X-rays and other testing to ascertain the reason for your plantar fasciitis. He curates a plantar fasciitis treatment plan for you, and it may include:
- Stretching exercises to lengthen your plantar fascia
- Physical therapy for pain relief, strengthening, and flexibility
- Night splint to prevent your plantar fascia from contracting overnight
- Custom orthotics to maintain optimal foot positioning
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections for inflammation
Depending on your needs and what caused your plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hecht may recommend other treatments, too.
Neil H Hecht, DPM, offers the up-to-date and powerful plantar fasciitis solutions you need, so call the office or schedule an appointment using online booking now.
