Are you tired of getting out of bed and immediately feeling a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel? You might be experiencing plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain for Montanans.
At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, we understand how debilitating heel pain can be, especially when it prevents you from enjoying the lifestyle that makes living in Big Sky Country so special. Our board-certified heel pain podiatrist, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, specializes in diagnosing and treating podiatric conditions like plantar fasciitis using advanced, non-surgical approaches that provide lasting relief.
Here's what you should know about common plantar fasciitis causes and the innovative treatments we offer.
Exploring Plantar Fasciitis Causes and Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone and toes—suffers inflammation or small tears. This ligament supports your arch and absorbs shock as you walk. When too much pressure damages or tears the fascia, pain and inflammation result.
Though anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, the following factors may increase your chances of developing heel pain:
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Age-related changes. How our feet function changes as we get older, and tissue elasticity and the fat pad cushioning the heel decrease, making the plantar fascia more susceptible to stress and inflammation.
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Foot mechanics. Flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern place extra stress on the plantar fascia. Rolling your feet inward too much while walking (called overpronation) can stretch and tear the fascia, leading to inflammation and micro-tears.
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Activity choices. Distance runners, hikers, and athletes participating in high-impact sports place repetitive stress on their heels and attached tissue. People who stand on hard surfaces at work face an increased risk due to constant pressure.
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Footwear decisions. Wearing shoes with inadequate arch support or poor cushioning fails to protect your feet properly.
When to See Our Missoula Podiatrist About Your Heel Pain
While mild plantar fasciitis might resolve with home care, seek a professional evaluation if your heel pain:
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Persists for more than a few weeks despite rest and home treatments
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Is severe enough to limit your everyday activities or disturb sleep
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Develops suddenly after a specific injury
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Includes swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel
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Occurs alongside numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot
Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic problems. Understanding how plantar fasciitis progresses from morning heel pain to a chronic podiatric condition is key to effective treatment. Dr. Neibauer can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your podiatric needs and lifestyle.
Our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Finding relief from plantar fasciitis requires a comprehensive approach. At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, we offer wide-ranging options, including advanced interventions, to help resolve your chronic heel pain. These include:
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Supportive footwear. Shoes with proper arch support distribute pressure evenly across your foot instead of concentrating it at the heel. Look for footwear with cushioned soles and rigid shanks that prevent the foot from twisting.
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Custom orthotics. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are precisely designed for your unique foot structure after a comprehensive evaluation. These devices provide optimal support exactly where you need it most, helping to prevent recurrence while promoting healing.
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Shockwave therapy. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia. Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic specializes in this innovative therapy, which has helped many patients avoid surgery while achieving significant pain reduction.
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Laser therapy. Low-level laser treatments increase blood flow to the injured area, reduce inflammation, and stimulate cell regeneration. This painless procedure typically requires multiple short sessions but can provide lasting relief for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Don't let plantar fasciitis keep you from enjoying Montana's outdoor playground or your everyday activities. The team at Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic in Missoula offers comprehensive care for heel pain using the innovative treatment techniques that provide lasting relief without surgery.