What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot, commonly causing heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning.

What are common symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Symptoms include sharp heel pain, pain that improves with activity but worsens with rest, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, and stiffness in the morning.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment includes rest, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic support, anti-inflammatory measures, and sometimes injections or advanced interventions when conservative care is insufficient.

When should I see a specialist for plantar fasciitis?

You should see a specialist if heel pain persists despite conservative care, leads to functional limitations, or if symptoms worsen over time.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Miami, FL

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and foot pain in adults, resulting from inflammation or micro-tears of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This condition can affect one or both feet, often causing sharp, stabbing pain along the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting or standing.

It is frequently seen in active adults between 40 and 70 years of age, but can affect anyone who places repeated stress on the foot.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained, leading to micro-tears, inflammation, and pain. Common contributing factors include:

High or low foot arches, which increase stress on the plantar fascia
Obesity or sudden weight gain
Tight calf or Achilles tendons, which increase tension on the heel
Starting or increasing activity intensity, such as running or sports

Genetic foot structure and biomechanics may also predispose adults to plantar fascia injury.

Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot
Pain with first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods
Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or after exercise
Tenderness, swelling, or stiffness along the bottom of the foot

Diagnosis

Dr. Alejandro Pino diagnoses plantar fasciitis with:

Medical history review: Activities, foot structure, and duration of symptoms
Physical exam: Checking for tenderness, stiffness, or swelling
Gait analysis: Observing walking and standing mechanics
Imaging: X-rays to rule out stress fractures, hairline fractures, or heel spurs; MRI may be used for chronic cases

Accurate diagnosis ensures targeted treatment and reduces the risk of chronic heel pain.

Treatment

Conservative Treatment:

Most plantar fasciitis cases resolve with non-surgical care:

Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate pain
Ice therapy: Rolling the foot over ice for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily
Medications: NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain
Stretching exercises: Calf and plantar fascia stretches
Supportive footwear and orthotics: Arch supports or insoles
Night splints: Keep the foot in a stretched position during sleep
Physical therapy: Includes massage, stretching, and pain-reducing modalities
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Non-invasive treatment using high-energy impulses to stimulate healing of damaged fascia

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is reserved for patients who do not experience relief after 12 months of conservative care.

Traditionally, gastrocnemius recession (calf muscle lengthening) and plantar fascia release have been performed as separate procedures. Dr. Pino is one of the few surgeons who performs both procedures simultaneously when indicated, maximizing pain relief, restoring function, and optimizing long-term results.

1. Gastrocnemius Recession

Lengthens tight calf muscles to reduce strain on the plantar fascia
Can be performed open or endoscopically for minimally invasive correction

2. Plantar Fascia Release

Partially releases the plantar fascia to relieve tension in patients with persistent heel pain despite normal ankle motion
Can be performed endoscopically or via open incision

Simultaneous Procedure Benefits:

Enhanced pain relief by addressing both sources of tension at the same time
Shorter overall recovery compared to staged procedures
Peer-reviewed studies published by Dr. Pino demonstrate excellent outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and return to normal activity

Dr. Pino uses patient-specific, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce risk of nerve injury and accelerate recovery.

Risks and Complications

While rare, potential complications include:

Infection
Nerve injury
Persistent pain

With modern surgical techniques and careful post-operative care, the risk of complications is low.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Immobilization and limited weight-bearing as recommended
Gradual return to activity with physical therapy
Supportive shoes or orthotics to prevent recurrence
Stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain foot health

Why Choose Alejandro Pino, MD for Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Alejandro Pino is a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon specializing in chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Patients choose Dr. Pino because he:

Provides advanced diagnostic evaluation for chronic heel pain
Prioritizes non-surgical treatment whenever possible
Uses ESWT, night splints, and targeted physical therapy for conservative care
Performs simultaneous gastrocnemius recession and plantar fascia release when indicated - an approach supported by peer-reviewed literature showing excellent patient outcomes
Focuses on patient-specific, minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery and reduced complications
Guides patients through rehabilitation and foot health strategies to prevent recurrence