Expert Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Millsboro & Seaford, DE
If the first steps of your day send a sharp pain through your heel or arch, plantar fasciitis could be the reason. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it’s also very treatable, with the right approach. At Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle, we help people across Millsboro and Seaford, DE, find long-term relief with personalized plantar fasciitis treatment that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock as you move. But when that tissue becomes overworked—whether from long hours on your feet, tight calf muscles, unsupportive shoes, or increased activity—it starts to break down and inflame. That’s plantar fasciitis.
The pain can sneak up slowly or hit you hard out of nowhere. And if it’s not treated, it can linger for months or even years.
Know the Signs: Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Pain is your body’s way of asking for help. If you're noticing any of the following plantar fasciitis symptoms, it’s time to get checked out:
- A stabbing or burning sensation in the bottom of your heel
- Heel pain that’s worst in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Pain after walking, standing, or exercising
- Tightness in the arch or bottom of the foot
- Swelling or tenderness around the heel
Heel pain doesn’t have to control your day. Our podiatrists are here to figure out what’s going on—and what your feet need to heal.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment That Fits Your Life
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for plantar fasciitis. You need a treatment plan that considers how you move, what your daily routine looks like, and how long you’ve been in pain. We offer a full range of plantar fasciitis treatment options, including:
- Custom orthotics and insoles designed to reduce stress on your heel
- Recommendations for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis based on your lifestyle
- Cortisone injections for fast inflammation relief
- Night splints that gently stretch your foot while you sleep
- Physical therapy and home-based plantar fasciitis exercises
- Rest and recovery strategies that won’t disrupt your whole life
- Shockwave therapy and other advanced modalities
- Surgical options when conservative treatment isn’t enough
Simple Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
Stretching can go a long way in reducing tension and speeding up healing. These plantar fasciitis stretches are a good way to prioritize foot care and are easy to do at home, and we’ll show you exactly how during your visit.
- Calf Wall Stretch – Loosen the Achilles and heel with this simple stretch
- Towel Pull – Sit with your leg outstretched, loop a towel around your foot, and gently pull
- Plantar Fascia Massage – Roll your foot over a frozen water bottle to reduce inflammation
- Toe Stretches – Pull your big toe toward you to lengthen the plantar fascia
Choosing the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The wrong shoes can make your symptoms worse. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis offer excellent arch support, a cushioned sole, and a secure fit. Flip-flops, flats with no structure, and worn-out running shoes are some of the most common triggers we see.
Our podiatrists will help you find shoes that not only relieve your heel pain but also support long-term healing. We’ll even work with your existing footwear and inserts to create the best setup for your feet.
Other Heel Conditions We Treat
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. We also treat a full range of heel and tendon conditions:
- Achilles Tendon Disorders – Pain, swelling, or tears in the Achilles tendon can cause similar symptoms and often need targeted therapy or surgery.
- Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis – Heel spurs often form when plantar fasciitis goes untreated. These bony growths can press into soft tissue and increase pain.
- Haglund’s Deformity – Haglund’s deformity is a bony bump at the back of the heel that can become irritated by shoe pressure, often leading to redness, swelling, and pain.
- Heel Fissures – Dry, cracked heels aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can lead to pain, bleeding, and infection if ignored.
Get Back to Walking Without Pain
Heel pain doesn’t have to be your “normal.” If you’re tired of limping through your mornings or skipping the things you love, we’re here to help.
Contact us to book your plantar fasciitis treatment appointment at Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle in Millsboro or Seaford, DE, today. Let’s get you back on your feet.