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Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes.

Common Symptoms

  • Heel pain: A sharp or stabbing pain at the bottom of your heel
  • Morning pain: Pain is often worst when you take your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while
  • Pain with activity: The pain may get better as you move around, but it can come back after standing or exercising for a long time

Causes and Risk Factors

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repeated stress on the foot. This can lead to small tears in the tissue over time.

You may have a higher risk if you:

  • Are between 25 and 65 years old
  • Have flat feet or high arches
  • Have tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
  • Are overweight, which puts extra pressure on your feet
  • Have a job or activity that involves standing or walking on hard surfaces (like running or long walks)

Tenex Technology

If you have long-term tendon pain (called chronic tendonitis), you can usually point to exactly where it hurts. You may feel a sharp pain in the same small spot when doing everyday activities, like walking up stairs, taking a long step, or pulling on a leash. This kind of pain should not be ignored because tendons are important and need care when they are injured.

What is a tendon?

A tendon is a strong, flexible band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendons and muscles work together to help your body move. They allow you to bend, twist, grip, and push.

How Tenex works

Tenex is a treatment that removes the damaged tissue that is causing your pain. It also helps your body heal. The medical name for this procedure is percutaneous tenotomy or fasciotomy. It is often used to treat areas like the heel (plantar fascia) or the Achilles tendon.

During the procedure, the doctor uses ultrasound (the same type of imaging used during pregnancy) to clearly see the damaged area. This helps them target only the injured tissue.

What happens during the procedure?

  • The treatment is done in an outpatient center, so you go home the same day.
  • The area is numbed with a local anesthetic (this may feel like a quick sting).
  • You stay awake during the procedure. Most people feel only slight pressure.

The doctor uses a small, specialized tool with a needle to break up and remove the damaged tissue. The process uses a very small cut—about half a centimeter long. Because it is so precise, the healthy tissue around it is not damaged.

After the procedure

  • Only one small stitch is needed
  • Your foot or leg will be wrapped for support
  • Many people can walk right away using a protective boot

Recovery

Recovery is usually quick. Many people return to normal activities within 6 weeks or less. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there is:

  • Less pain
  • Little downtime
  • Faster healing compared to traditional surgery

Recovery time can vary depending on the location of your injury and your body’s healing process.

To learn more, or schedule your appointment for this treatment, contact the Coughlin Foot & Ankle Clinic today at 208-302-3100.