Plantar Fasciitis Specialist
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Tobin C Gallawa, DPM, FACFAS
Board Certified Podiatrist located in Sacramento, CA
Do you have pain in your arch or heels when you get up in the morning? You may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. Tobin C. Gallawa, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist with 25 years of experience and conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine if plantar fasciitis is the underlying cause of your heel pain. He then develops customized treatment plans to alleviate your discomfort at his office in Sacramento, California. To schedule an appointment, call the office of Tobin C. Gallawa DPM FACFAS today.
Plantar Fasciitis Q&A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and occurs when your plantar fascia is inflamed or irritated. Your plantar fascia is a fan-shaped tissue found on the bottom of your foot, with the narrow end at the heel and the thickest, strongest part running along the inside of your arch.
You may be at risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you have a faulty foot structure, such as a high arch or flat feet. Wearing unsupportive shoes may also strain and irritate your plantar fascia, resulting in pain. You may also develop plantar fasciitis if you spend long hours on your feet every day or you’re obese.
What are plantar fasciitis symptoms?
Most people with plantar fasciitis complain of foot pain when they first wake up in the morning or after sitting for a prolonged period of time. The discomfort usually resolves after a few minutes of walking.
The pain may occur on the bottom of your foot, the arch, or your heel. You may also experience swelling at the bottom of your heel.
Though plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, it’s not the only cause. You may also develop heel pain from arthritis, tendinitis, or a stress fracture.
The pain usually means something is wrong, and you should have it addressed. If you have foot or heel pain, contact Dr. Gallawa to schedule an evaluation.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Dr. Gallawa performs a comprehensive exam to diagnose plantar fasciitis. During your exam, he reviews your symptoms, medical history, and then examines your foot. To rule out other potential causes of your heel pain, Dr. Gallawa may request diagnostic imaging such as X-rays.
Your diagnostic imaging may also reveal the presence of heel spurs, which are common in people with plantar fasciitis. However, your heel spurs are not likely to cause heel pain.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Dr. Gallawa takes a conservative approach to the treatment of your plantar fasciitis. Your treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Shoe modification
- Stretching exercises
- Icing
- Oral medications
- Injections
Dr. Gallawa rarely performs surgery for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. However, if your pain continues after several months of conservative treatments, Dr. Gallawa may discuss your surgical options.
Heel pain isn’t normal, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Contact the office of Tobin C. Gallawa DPM FACFAS by phone to schedule a comprehensive evaluation today.
