Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
If you wake up in the morning and that first step feels like you're stepping on a nail, there's a good chance you're dealing with plantar fasciitis.
At OrthoSouth, we treat plantar fasciitis every day for patients across Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Arlington, Southaven, and Olive Branch. Whether you're training for the St. Jude Marathon, walking the dog in 95-degree July heat, or standing on concrete floors at work all day, heel pain can sideline you fast.
Let's fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Plantar Fasciitis and Treatment in Memphis
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When that tissue becomes irritated or overloaded, it causes pain at the bottom of the heel.
It's one of the most common causes of foot pain we see in the Mid-South.
Classic Symptoms
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Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning
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Pain that improves as you move, then returns after long periods of standing
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Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
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Tight calf muscles
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Why is Plantar Fasciitis So Common in the Memphis Area?
We see a few consistent patterns locally:
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Concrete everywhere - Warehouses, schools, hospitals, and distribution centers across Memphis and North Mississippi mean long hours on hard surfaces.
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Active families - Soccer at Mike Rose, pickleball in Germantown, running in Shelby Farms. Weekend warriors, we salute you!
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Hot summers - Flip-flops and worn-out sandals offer almost zero support.
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High school and college athletes - Sudden training increases during preseason often trigger symptoms.
Translation: your lifestyle might be setting your plantar fascia up for overload.
Is Plantar Fasciitis Permanent?
No. Most cases resolve with proper treatment, but ignoring it can turn a short-term issue into a long-term problem.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed with a focused exam. Imaging like X-rays or MRI is only needed if we suspect something else, such as a stress fracture or nerve issue.
Our foot and ankle specialists evaluate:
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Foot structure and mechanics
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Calf flexibility
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Gait and alignment
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Activity level and footwear
Which Treatment Options Work for This Condition?
Most patients improve without surgery. The key is the right combination of treatments, not just "rest and hope."
First-Line Treatments
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Targeted stretching (plantar fascia + calf)
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Night splints
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Anti-inflammatory strategies
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Activity modification
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Supportive footwear or orthotics
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Physical therapy
Advanced Options (If Pain Persists)
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Corticosteroid injections
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Shockwave therapy
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Custom bracing
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PRP (in select cases)
Surgery is rarely needed, and we reserve it for true chronic cases that don't respond to conservative care.
Should I stop exercising completely?
Not necessarily. We help you modify activity so you can stay active without making it worse.
Are heel spurs the same thing?
No. Heel spurs may show up on X-ray, but they aren't usually the source of pain.
When Should I See an Orthopedic Specialist?
You should schedule an evaluation if:
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Pain lasts longer than 2-3 weeks
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You're limping or changing how you walk
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Over-the-counter inserts aren't helping
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Pain is affecting your work or exercise routine
We offer same-day and walk-in orthopedic care at select locations, so you don't have to wait weeks to get relief.
Why Choose OrthoSouth for Heel Pain?
Fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists
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Convenient locations across the Memphis metro and North Mississippi
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On-site imaging
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Access to physical therapy under one roof
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High patient satisfaction and fast appointment availability
Our goal isn't just to calm your pain. It's to get you back to moving confidently.
