Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Diagnosis/Treatment of Plantar fasciitis with Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic Ultrasound is a modality that we use in our practice that can lead to a more accurate diagnoses and aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Diagnostic Ultrasound technology for heel pain uses sound waves to create a visual picture of the anatomical structures of the heel. We are able to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia, determine if there is a partial tear of the plantar fascia, visualize fluid accumulation, locate bone spurs, and rule out stress fractures of the heel. In addition to seeing the anatomy of the inside of the heel we can also when needed perform more precise cortisone injections to the targeted area of the heel.
Carolina Foot Specialists has diagnostic ultrasound available in both the Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley offices. We can not only confirm the diagnoses of plantar fasciitis with ultrasound but can also visualize neuromas, stress fractures of the boot, and locate foreign bodies.

Dr. Andrew Saffer, DPM
Carolina Foot Specialists

Monday, February 7, 2011

Heel pain is not always Plantar Fasciitis

If you experience heel pain first step out of bed in the morning or pain after long periods of sitting than standing than you may have plantar fasciitis. Although these are common symptoms of plantar fasciitis there can be other causes of heel pain. Some of these include a stress fracture of the heel, nerve entrapment, achilles tendonitis, growth plate injury in children, and arthritic conditions.
It is very important to be evaluated by your foot specialists as soon as possible if you have heel pain that doesn't go away after a couple of weeks. An undiagnosed stress fracture of the heel for example can lead to surgery if not treated the right way.
Initially ice, NSAIDS, and rest are conservative treatments you can do at home. If these simple treatments do not help you may need to be evaluated by your local foot specialists. We can correctly diagnose the foot condition that you may have by clinical evaluation as well as diagnostic evaluation via digital x-rays and ultrasound exam. X-rays and diagnostic ultrasound are available at both our West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant offices. We offer conservative and surgical options for heel pain with 95% of our patients responding to conservative treatment without the need for surgery. Call us today if you any lingering heel pain which is keeping you from staying active.

Andrew Saffer, DPM
Carolina Foot Specialists