Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in New Canaan, CT
Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain in adults, and if you have ever experienced that sharp, stabbing discomfort with your first steps in the morning, you already know how debilitating it can be. At New Canaan Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, offers advanced, personalized plantar fasciitis treatments designed to provide lasting relief — not just temporary relief.
Serving patients throughout New Canaan, CT and the surrounding communities, New Canaan Podiatry brings together the most current diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to resolve plantar fasciitis at its source. Call (203) 548-7688 or schedule online today.
Book OnlineWhat Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. Its primary function is to absorb the shock of each step and support the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes overstressed and inflamed — a condition known as plantar fasciitis — the result is significant pain, particularly in the heel.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia is subjected to excessive or repetitive tension that exceeds its ability to recover. Risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese, which increases the load on the plantar fascia with every step
- Having flat feet or high arches, which alter the mechanics of the foot
- Developing heel spurs from chronic fascial tension
- Participating in high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or dancing
- Wearing shoes with inadequate arch support or cushioning
- Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods, as with many occupations
- A sudden increase in activity level without proper conditioning
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain that is worst with the first few steps after getting out of bed or after prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. This occurs because the plantar fascia tightens during rest and is then suddenly stretched when you stand and begin to walk.
As you continue moving, the fascia gradually loosens and pain typically diminishes — only to return after long periods of standing or at the end of an active day. You may also notice arch pain, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, or stiffness in the heel area.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
At New Canaan Podiatry, Dr. Tauber evaluates the severity of your plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and in-office imaging before designing a customized treatment plan. Treatment options include:
- Night splints to keep the plantar fascia gently stretched during sleep
- Custom orthotics to properly support the arch and redistribute plantar pressure
- Physical therapy exercises and daily stretching protocols
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections for targeted inflammation relief
- Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT) shockwave treatments
- Acoustic Wave Therapy to stimulate healing in chronic cases
- MLS Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair
In rare cases where conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, Dr. Tauber may recommend minimally invasive plantar fascia release surgery to reduce tension in the fascia and provide permanent resolution.
If your heel pain is affecting your daily activities or quality of life, do not wait. Schedule your plantar fasciitis evaluation at New Canaan Podiatry today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to heal?
With consistent treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. However, without proper care, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition that persists for months or even years. Starting treatment early leads to the best outcomes.
Is plantar fasciitis the same as a heel spur?
Not exactly, though the two conditions are closely related. A heel spur is a bony calcium deposit that can form on the underside of the heel bone as a result of chronic plantar fascial tension. While heel spurs can be present in patients with plantar fasciitis, many people with heel spurs have no pain at all, and the pain of plantar fasciitis is caused by fascial inflammation rather than the spur itself.
Can I keep exercising with plantar fasciitis?
This depends on the severity of your condition. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling are generally well-tolerated, while high-impact activities like running may need to be temporarily reduced or modified. Dr. Tauber will provide specific guidance based on your evaluation.
Do custom orthotics really help plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Custom orthotics are one of the most effective conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis because they provide precise arch support tailored to your foot mechanics, reducing stress on the plantar fascia with every step.
What stretches help with plantar fasciitis?
Calf stretches, towel stretches, and plantar fascia-specific stretching exercises are commonly recommended. Dr. Tauber will provide a personalized stretching routine during your appointment based on the specific characteristics of your condition.
Can plantar fasciitis come back after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible, especially if underlying risk factors such as improper footwear, flat feet, or high-impact activities are not addressed. Wearing appropriate footwear, using custom orthotics, and maintaining a regular stretching routine significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
You should schedule an evaluation if your heel pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens over time, interferes with daily activities, or occurs even when you are not weight-bearing. Early intervention leads to faster recovery and helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic.