At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
Nearly one-fourth of all bones in the human body are in the feet. The foot is a complex, flexible structure that contains bones, joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all working together to enable movement and balance. The foot is divided into three sections, the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot. The midfoot contains a pyramid-like group of bones, strengthened by tendons, muscles and ligaments to form three curves, or arches (medial, lateral and fundamental longitudinal), at the bottom of the foot.
Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone. Ligaments have an elastic structure that allows them to stretch, within their limits, and then return to their normal positions. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot. This ligament connects the heel to the front of the foot, and it supports the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament becomes irritated and inflamed.
Among the most commonly experienced symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
Although the plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains placed on the feet, sometimes too much pressure can damage or tear these tissues. The body's natural response to such an injury is inflammation, which results in heel pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis. Typically, plantar fasciitis develops without any specific, identifiable reason. However, there are many factors that can make you more prone to the condition, including: new or increased activity, or repetitive impact activity, such as running or other sports; very high arches; obesity; and tighter calf muscles that make it difficult to flex the foot and bring toes upward, toward the shin (dorsiflexion).
Your physician may order X-rays to help determine that your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis and not another problem. Other imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound are not routinely used to diagnose plantar fasciitis and are rarely ordered, however an MRI may be needed if your heel pain is not relieved by initial treatment methods.
More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods. These may include:
Surgical treatment is usually considered only after 12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.