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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Plantar Fasciitis

Condition: Plantar Fasciitis

If you are experiencing frequent heel pain, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. This foot condition occurs when a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia is overstretched and causes small tears and inflammation. This causes intense heel pain along the bottom of the foot often after first waking in the morning.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The following are activities or conditions that may cause plantar fasciitis:

  • Improper walking, such as excessive rolling of the foot or twisting.
  • High arches, flat feet and tight calf muscles or tendons at the back of the heel.
  • Prolonged walking or standing on hard or irregular surfaces.
  • Playing sports that require running.
  • Being overweight or wearing shoes with poor cushion, that don’t fit well or are worn out.
  • As a natural part of aging.
  • A single foot injury, although this is rare.

Over time, stress on the heel’s tendons can also cause heel spurs, which are abnormal growths of the bone that occur where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.

Plantar fasciitis is most commonly seen in middle-aged adults. Surgery is rarely needed to fix plantar fasciitis.

Addressing Plantar Fasciitis

Our specialists can use a variety of non-surgical options to treat this condition that includes:

  • Limit or stop activities that cause heel pain such as walking on hard surfaces.
  • Reduce inflammation by applying ice to your heel or using anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Wear well-cushioned, shock-absorbent shoes or add heel inserts for extra cushion.
  • Put on your shoes as soon as you get out of bed to avoid walking barefoot.
  • Do exercises such as calf stretches several times a day.

Other non-surgical options include custom-made shoe inserts, night splints and walking casts. If your condition worsens, consult one of our doctors about the best option for your condition.

Plantar fasciitis – What do I need to know?

Contents

  • Resources
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Resources Related to Plantar Fasciitis

Meet Dr. Robert D. Martin, Orthopaedic Surgeon (Video)

Dr. Rob Martin explains how pain or injuries to your foot or ankle may be affecting other parts of your body.

Watch the Video

Providers Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Plantar Fasciitis. Review each provider for availability.

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Larry Balle II, M.D.

Larry Balle II, M.D. Sports Medicine Physician (Family Medicine)

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Chelsea S. Mathews, M.D.

Chelsea S. Mathews, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Lauren K. Poindexter, M.D.

Lauren K. Poindexter, M.D. Sports Medicine Physician (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

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Barbara A. Porchia, DPM

Barbara A. Porchia, DPM Foot and Ankle Surgery Podiatrist

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Ramon C. Ylanan, M.D.

Ramon C. Ylanan, M.D. Sports Medicine Physician (Family Medicine)

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Note that the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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UAMS Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford

Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford

2 Shackleford West Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-526-1046
New Patients
501-614-2663
Returning Patients
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Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic exterior

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Fayetteville

201 W. Van Asche Loop
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-966-4491
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Lowell

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Lowell

507 W. Monroe Ave.
Lowell, AR 72745

Appointment Phone Number
479-334-7030
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Baptist-UAMS Ortho

UAMS Baptist Health Orthopaedic Clinic in Conway

625 United Drive
Suite 350
Conway, AR 72032

Appointment Phone Number
501-358-6792
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Plantar Fasciitis

Male runner touching foot in pain due to sprained ankle.

Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)

The fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons at UAMS provide comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions and injuries that affect the …

View Area of Expertise
Orthopedic surgeon working on female patient

Orthopaedics

UAMS Health is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in orthopaedics.

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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