Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain that affects millions of people each year. Finding the right plantar fasciitis doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Many patients wonder which type of doctor they should see for their heel pain.
The best doctor for plantar fasciitis depends on your specific symptoms and treatment needs. Several types of doctors can treat this condition effectively. Understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your care.
This article explains which doctors treat plantar fasciitis and how to find the right specialist for your needs.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or torn. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue supports the arch of your foot and acts like a shock absorber.
When you put too much pressure on your feet, the plantar fascia can develop small tears. These tears cause inflammation and pain. The pain is usually worst in the morning when you first step out of bed.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel
- Pain that worsens after sitting or lying down
- Stiffness in the foot
- Pain that improves with movement
- Tenderness along the bottom of the foot
Types of Doctors Who Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Several types of doctors can diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. Each specialist brings different skills and treatment approaches to your care.
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first healthcare providers to address heel pain, including plantar fasciitis. They evaluate symptoms, rule out other causes like stress fractures or arthritis, and diagnose mild to moderate cases.
Conservative Treatment Options
PCPs typically recommend conservative treatments such as rest, icing, stretching exercises, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
When to See a Specialist
If symptoms persist or worsen, PCPs can refer you to specialists for further evaluation and advanced treatment options.
Managing Underlying Health Conditions
Primary care doctors also help manage underlying issues like obesity or diabetes, which can contribute to foot problems and aggravate plantar fasciitis.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists are doctors specifically trained in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Their education includes four years of podiatric medical school and at least three years of residency focused exclusively on foot and ankle care.
Many podiatrists pursue additional fellowship training to specialize in areas like sports medicine, diabetic foot care, or reconstructive surgery.
How Podiatrists Treat Plantar Fasciitis
For plantar fasciitis, podiatrists offer a wide range of treatments beyond basic care. These may include custom orthotics, night splints, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy referrals, and advanced interventions like extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).
When Surgery is an Option
In severe or chronic cases, podiatrists may recommend and perform surgical procedures such as plantar fascia release.
Why Choose a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?
Podiatrists are highly experienced in managing plantar fasciitis, making them one of the most qualified types of specialists to address this condition effectively.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, treating conditions related to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Some receive additional fellowship training to specialize in foot and ankle problems, making them experts in handling advanced cases of plantar fasciitis.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options
Orthopedic surgeons treat patients who haven’t responded to conservative care. They offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions, including:
- Advanced imaging (e.g., MRIs) for accurate diagnosis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Surgical procedures like plantar fascia release or gastrocnemius recession
Expertise in Managing Complex Cases
Orthopedic surgeons are equipped to address plantar fasciitis cases complicated by other issues, such as tendon tears, nerve entrapment, or structural deformities. They often collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, long-term care.
When to See a Plantar Fasciitis Doctor
You should see a plantar fasciitis doctor if your heel pain lasts more than a few weeks. Early treatment often prevents the condition from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat.
Schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Heel pain that interferes with daily activities
- Heel pain that does not improve with rest and home treatment
- Severe pain that makes walking difficult
- Numbness or tingling in your foot
- Signs of infection, like fever or red, warm skin
Plantar Fasciitis Doctor Near You in Naples, FL
If you are experiencing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, do not wait to seek professional help. Early treatment can prevent your foot condition from becoming chronic and more difficult to treat.
At Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, we offer comprehensive care for plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Cody Togher, DPM, is our fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist who has extensive experience treating plantar fasciitis. He works with every patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals.
To schedule an appointment with our expert, call (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We are committed to helping you get back to your active lifestyle without heel pain.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis
