If you’re struggling with persistent heel pain—especially with your first steps in the morning—you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis. At our practice serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot discomfort and can significantly impact your daily activities if left untreated. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, Dr. Fallis offers personalized care plans—including conservative therapies and advanced treatment options—to relieve pain, promote healing, and help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot. It runs from the heel bone to the toes and forms the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is most often seen in middle-aged men and women, but may also occur in those who are constantly on their feet.
What are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia functions as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. Excessive pressure over the fascia may strain and tear the tissue, causing heel pain. Repeated overstretching or overuse causes irritation or inflammation of the fascia.
Other risk factors may include:
- Obesity
- Foot arch problems such as flat feet or high arches
- Activities such as long-distance running, ballet and dance aerobics
- Occupations that necessitate walking or standing on hard surfaces for a long period
- Wearing thin-soled shoes or shoes with poor arch support
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptom is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel. You may experience pain when you take your first steps on awakening and it slowly decreases but may return after standing for a long period of time.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your foot for signs of flatfoot or high arch, tenderness, swelling, redness, stiffness or tightness of your foot arch. Your doctor may suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other causes of heel pain such as a stress fracture or pinched nerve.
What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?
Most often, you are effectively treated with the following measures:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or inject corticosteroids directly into the plantar fascia to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Rest: Reduce or avoid the activities that worsen the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs over a towel on the painful area at least twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes for the first few days.
- Night splints: You may be prescribed night splints to stretch the plantar fascia and allow it to heal.
- Supportive shoes and orthotics: Your doctor may recommend shoes with good support and cushioning. Custom orthotics (shoe inserts) may also be helpful.
- Physical therapy: Your physical therapist may design an exercise program that focuses on stretching your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthening the muscles of the lower leg. In addition to exercises, application of athletic tape to support the bottom of your foot may also help relieve symptoms.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: During this procedure, sound waves are targeted on to the painful area to stimulate the healing process.
- Surgery: Occasionally, surgery may be suggested to release the tight plantar fascia.
Why Choose Dr. Bryan Fallis for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
When heel pain interferes with your daily life, you need a specialist who understands both the cause and the solution. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM delivers comprehensive, patient-focused care for plantar fasciitis and related conditions.
Patients in Ft. Mitchell and Cincinnati choose Dr. Fallis for:
- Extensive Experience in Heel Pain Treatment: Skilled in diagnosing and managing plantar fasciitis.
- Conservative-First Approach: Focus on non-surgical treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
- Advanced Treatment Options: Including injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy when needed.
- Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to your symptoms, activity level, and foot structure.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Use of imaging to rule out other causes of heel pain.
- Convenient Regional Access: Serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati communities.
Dr. Fallis is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief and prevent recurrence.
Plantar Fasciitis FAQs
What causes plantar fasciitis?
It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia due to overuse, excessive strain, or improper foot mechanics.
What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
It typically causes sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning.
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and home care, but persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.
How long does it take to heal?
With proper treatment, most people improve within a few weeks to several months.
Is surgery necessary for plantar fasciitis?
Surgery is rarely needed and is usually considered only when conservative treatments fail.
What shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
Supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning are recommended to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Schedule Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Don’t let heel pain keep you from living your life. Get expert care and lasting relief with Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM.
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Take the first step toward pain-free movement—contact our office today to start your personalized plantar fasciitis treatment plan.
