Chastity Stewart has been battling a foot injury for over a month but is heading to the NCAA national meet in Eugene, Ore. “I think I have a shot,” Stewart said. “I didn’t think I would be here getting ready for nationals or run as fast as I did at conference or regionals. I want to surprise myself as well as everyone else and pull it out.”

Stewart felt a sharp pain in her foot about a month ago, and tried to roll her foot over a round object to massage the muscles and tissues. Her pain continued, and she went to UNT’s trainers who treated her for plantar fasciitis. Despite this, Stewart will continue to participate on the track.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful. For questions or treatment options, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle injuries.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Ill-fitting shoes
• Weight change
• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
• Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience.       Requires multiple sessions.       This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
• Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia.       This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.

New Studies on Treatment

According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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