The COVID-19 national pandemic has caused alterations in all aspects of our lives, including regularly scheduled training activities at local gyms. To help stay active, we have resorted to exercises such as power walking and running. This has led to an increase in the number of cases of plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome that we are currently seeing at Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates P.C..

Plantar fasciitis begins as an inflammatory process at the origination of the medial band of the plantar fascia ligament on the bottom inside part of the heel. This symptom is often the most noticeable in the morning upon taking the first steps out of bed. Additionally, the symptom often shows up when a patient gets up from a resting position. Patients often say their symptoms are alleviated once they stretch or begin to walk. However, at the end of the day, the pain tends to worsen with almost a throbbing sensation.

At Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we recommend a number of ways to treat plantar fasciitis from a conservative standpoint to more aggressive surgical procedures when the symptoms become chronic. Conservative measures of care include:

• Rest;
• Ice massage;
• Elevated heels;
• Arch supports.

When these conservative measures fail, Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates may suggest more aggressive surgical procedures. These procedures may include open plantar fasciotomy or less invasive needle plantar fasciotomy with growth factor injection.

Long-term management for patients suffering from plantar fasciitis or recurrent symptoms of plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome usually requires the use of a custom molded orthoses and also periodic use of a plantar fascial night splint for stretching exercises.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome, please contact Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates for a consultation so we can help get you back to your normal daily exercise routine.