Dr. Michele Kraft is a top-rated, board-certified podiatrist who specializes in holistic and natural treatment of the painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. At her medical practice, Toes on the Go, in Carmel, California, she also teaches patients lifestyle strategies for preventing a recurrence of plantar fasciitis. Request an appointment online today with Dr. Kraft at Toes on the Go in Carmel, California.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of fibrous connective tissue known as the plantar fascia, which is a large ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes. If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll experience pain in your heel and in the arch of your foot.
Pain generally occurs with your first steps getting out of bed in the morning, after periods of rest, when climbing stairs or standing on your toes, and with excessive standing, walking, or running. It can come and go with different activities. If it’s not treated, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition causing heel spurs and tears in the plantar fascia ligament.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the arch of the foot flattens out because the plantar fascia ligament becomes stretched out. When this happens, the foot loses its ability to act as a shock absorber.
Many things can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, such as:
Dr. Kraft offers multiple treatments to help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis. Stretching exercises are often prescribed and taught to patients to help relax tight calf muscles and Achilles heel tendons. She may also prescribe over-the-counter or custom-made orthotic shoe inserts to provide cushioning and proper arch support and to help improve the alignment of the foot’s position when walking. Dr. Kraft examines your feet and talks with you to determine the most appropriate type of shoes for your lifestyle and various activities. Using ice and oral anti-inflammatory medications can also help. The doctor may also administer a cortisone injection to further reduce inflammation and pain. Special splints may be prescribed to help stretch out the calf muscles while sleeping. Overweight patients may be advised to lose weight to help lessen the physical stress extra weight places on their feet. Long-term chronic plantar fasciosis is treated differently, including some regenerative medical approaches. Call Dr. Kraft’s office for an appointment if you’re concerned you have plantar fasciitis.
"Dr. Michele Kraft is the best podiatrist I have every visited. As an athlete herself, I can count on her to understand that I want to work through issues if possible"
"Having been to other podiatrists previously with limited success I seem to have found the right solution with Dr. Kraft."
"[Dr. Kraft] went above and beyond with the level of compassion and time spent on my diagnosis. Without a doubt one of the best podiatrist I've ever seen"
"Dr. Kraft is a great doctor! She listened to ever concern I had. She was very detailed and made sure I understood everything! I would recommend her to anyone!"
"[Dr. Kraft] has a rare quality of knowledge and compassion. She combines these with a dedication to staying current with the latest techniques and procedures."
