Expert Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you're experiencing sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or discomfort that worsens after standing or walking, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment for plantar fasciitis in Mount Pleasant, SC, helping patients return to comfortable walking, work, exercise, and daily activities. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, Dr. Ohlson offers both conservative and advanced treatment options tailored to the underlying cause of your heel pain.
Whether your symptoms developed from running, prolonged standing, flat feet, high arches, or overuse, early evaluation can help prevent chronic pain and improve recovery. Dr. Ohlson develops individualized treatment plans that may include activity modification, physical therapy, custom orthotics, medications, regenerative medicine options when appropriate, and surgical intervention for persistent cases that do not respond to conservative care.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot. It runs from the heel bone to the toes and forms the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is most often seen in middle-aged men and women, but may also occur in those who are constantly on their feet.
What are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia functions as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. Excessive pressure over the fascia may strain and tear the tissue, causing heel pain. Repeated overstretching or overuse causes irritation or inflammation of the fascia.
Other risk factors may include:
- Obesity
- Foot arch problems such as flat feet or high arches
- Activities such as long-distance running, ballet and dance aerobics
- Occupations that necessitate walking or standing on hard surfaces for a long period
- Wearing thin-soled shoes or shoes with poor arch support
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptom is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel. You may experience pain when you take your first steps on awakening and it slowly decreases, but may return after standing for a long period of time.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your foot for signs of flatfoot or high arch, tenderness, swelling, redness, stiffness or tightness of your foot arch. Your doctor may suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other causes of heel pain such as a stress fracture or pinched nerve.
What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?
Most often, you are effectively treated with the following measures:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or inject corticosteroids directly into the plantar fascia to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Rest: Reduce or avoid the activities that worsen the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs over a towel on the painful area at least twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes for the first few days.
- Night splints: You may be prescribed night splints to stretch the plantar fascia and allow it to heal.
- Supportive shoes and orthotics: Your doctor may recommend shoes with good support and cushioning. Custom orthotics (shoe inserts) may also be helpful.
- Physical therapy: Your physical therapist may design an exercise program that focuses on stretching your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, and strengthening the muscles of the lower leg. In addition to exercises, application of athletic tape to support the bottom of your foot may also help relieve symptoms.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: During this procedure, sound waves are targeted on to the painful area to stimulate the healing process.
- Surgery: Occasionally, surgery may be suggested to release the tight plantar fascia.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Heel pain can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, making even simple daily activities uncomfortable. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines extensive orthopedic expertise with patient-centered care to accurately diagnose the source of your heel pain and recommend the most effective treatment approach.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle conditions
- Comprehensive evaluation to identify the true cause of heel pain
- Personalized treatment plans based on your activity level and goals
- Advanced non-surgical therapies to relieve pain and restore function
- Regenerative medicine expertise when clinically appropriate
- Surgical treatment options for chronic or severe plantar fasciitis
- A commitment to helping patients return safely to work, sports, and everyday activities
Dr. Ohlson focuses on relieving pain, improving foot function, reducing inflammation, and helping prevent future recurrence whenever possible.
Plantar Fasciitis FAQs
What is the main cause of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis most commonly develops from repetitive stress placed on the plantar fascia. Risk factors include prolonged standing, running, obesity, flat feet, high arches, poor footwear, and occupations that require extended time on hard surfaces.
What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
Most patients experience a sharp, stabbing pain beneath the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain often improves with movement but may return after prolonged standing or activity.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, discussion of your symptoms, and evaluation of your foot mechanics. X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to rule out stress fractures, arthritis, or other causes of heel pain.
Can plantar fasciitis heal without surgery?
Yes. Most patients improve with conservative treatment, including rest, stretching exercises, physical therapy, supportive footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment. Many patients notice improvement within several weeks, although complete recovery may take several months.
When is surgery recommended for plantar fasciitis?
Surgery is generally considered only after several months of unsuccessful non-surgical treatment when significant heel pain continues to interfere with daily activities.
Can plantar fasciitis come back?
Yes. Without addressing contributing factors such as poor footwear, tight calf muscles, overuse, or abnormal foot mechanics, symptoms may recur. Following your treatment plan and preventive recommendations can reduce the risk.
Can I continue exercising with plantar fasciitis?
High-impact activities may worsen symptoms. Your physician may recommend temporarily switching to low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling while your plantar fascia heals.
Schedule a Plantar Fasciitis Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
Persistent heel pain doesn't have to keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive plantar fasciitis treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC, using evidence-based conservative therapies and advanced orthopedic techniques to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help prevent future injury.
Whether your heel pain is new or has been ongoing for months, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and learn about your personalized treatment options for plantar fasciitis.