The Foot Specialty Practice

711 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn NY 11213

734 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11207
903 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Heel Spur Syndrome/Plantar Fasciitis

Heel Spur Syndrome or Heel/Arch Pain is known as Plantar
Fasciitis. It is perhaps the most common foot problem diagnosed by
podiatrists, and the most common foot problem researched by patients
over the internet. Heel Spur Syndrome/Plantar Fasciitis is a chronic
micro-trauma or tears to the plantar fascia ligament (band of tissue
that connects the heel bone and “ball” of the feet). The tears to the fascia cause inflammation, which in
turn results in swelling and pain.

Symptoms: Pain in the arch and/or heel region of the foot with standing, walking, and running. It often
first presents with a disabling pain after a period of rest, usually first thing in the morning when you first
get out of bed and take those first steps. Over time the pain becomes more frequent and may occur
immediately as you stand up after being off your feet for a while. This is known as Post-Static
Dyskenesia.

Cause: Excessive long-term pull on the plantar fascia. Breakdown/collapse of the arch stretches this
ligament, which functions as a strut, and spans the long arch. Forces created within this strong ligament,
as the arches collapse and elongate, produce partial rupture and/or chronic inflammation. When the
inflammation is excessive and long term, calcium deposits form in the fascia at the heel bone attachment
site and a calcaneal (heel) bone spur develops where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. Small spurs
are usually more painful than longer/larger spurs.

Diagnosis: Chronic progressive history of pain usually described as being inside the bottom of the foot
where the heel meets the arch. Less common variations present with pain in the retro-calcaneal area
(back), medial (inside), or lateral (outside) of the heel. Physical exam reveals pain with deep palpation of
these same areas. X-rays and relief following use of a temporary arch support with padding and strapping
are important diagnostics. MRI and CT scans can be used to rule out other osseous and soft tissue
pathology, but are usually not required to make the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome.

Treatment: Many will get relief just by decreasing walking activity, oral anti-inflammatory medication,
and a new better supportive pair of shoes. Treatment options include stretching, night splints, physical
therapy, dietary supplements (Calcium, Glucosamine, Chondroitin), anti-inflammatory medications,
padding/strapping, arch supports, custom orthotics, injections, shock wave, cold laser, and surgery. All
will either minimally/ temporarily or permanently relieve symptoms and help the patients walk strong
again. These treatments take time to work and patients are still at risk for recurrence of the inflammation.

The Foot Specialty Practice uses a new treatment modality for heel spur syndrome/plantar fasciitis. It is
known as Autologus Platelet Concentrate. APC is “autologus platelet rich plasma with stem cell growth
factors,” which is obtained from the patients’ own blood. Administering the patient’s own blood plasma
into the heel allows the healing of the fascia at a significantly faster rate and reduces the recurrence of the
inflammation cycle.

Tel. 347-394-7056 Fax 718-493-5670 footspecialty@gmail.com

718-345-3451