Heel pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and can be caused by various factors. Whether it's sharp, dull, or throbbing, heel pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to walk, stand, or even perform daily activities. It often feels like a stabbing or burning sensation in the heel or the bottom of the foot, making it difficult to ignore. While there can be many causes for heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the most common.
At OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, our certified podiatrists are highly-skilled in treating foot pain and conditions of all ages to provide you with relief and peace of mind. Schedule an appointment with our podiatry team to receive a customized plan tailored to your specific needs.
Here is everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the foot and is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This tissue plays an important role in supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk or run. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort in the heel or arch of your foot, especially when you first stand up in the morning or after periods of rest.
Other common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected area, which can make it difficult to walk or perform activities that involve standing or walking for long periods. While plantar fasciitis can be painful and debilitating, there are several treatments available that can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or arch of your foot, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain is typically worse in the morning when you first get out of bed or after periods of rest when the plantar fascia tightens up. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.
You may also experience a burning or ache in the heel or arch of your foot, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking. In some cases, the pain may radiate to other areas of your foot or ankle. Plantar fasciitis can also cause changes in the way you walk or stand, leading to compensatory movements that can contribute to pain in other parts of your body, such as your knees, hips, or lower back.
It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe pain in your foot, as untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to more significant problems over time.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not fully understood, but it's thought to be related to repetitive strain or stress on the plantar fascia. Certain activities and conditions increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including running or other high-impact activities, standing or walking for long periods, obesity, tight calf muscles, and having flat feet or high arches. Wearing shoes with poor support or fit can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Age may also be a factor, as the plantar fascia tends to become less flexible and more susceptible to injury with age.
Additionally, certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve damage can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. As the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it pulls on the heel bone, causing tiny tears in the tissue that can result in pain and discomfort. Over time, these small injuries can lead to the formation of bone spurs on the heel, which can exacerbate symptoms and make the condition more difficult to treat.
While the exact cause of plantar fasciitis may not always be clear, identifying underlying risk factors and making lifestyle changes to reduce stress on the plantar fascia can help prevent and manage this painful condition.
How Do I Treat It?
Plantar fasciitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but fortunately, there are several treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. The most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis often involves a combination of several strategies.
- Rest is crucial to allow the plantar fascia time to heal, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can help prevent further damage.
- Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Stretching exercises can also help alleviate pain and promote healing by loosening tight calf muscles and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
- Physical therapy may be recommended for more severe cases
- Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts or night splints may be prescribed to help support the arch of the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief, but should not be used long-term without medical supervision.
- Surgery may be necessary to release tension on the plantar fascia or remove any bone spurs that have formed.
Prevention is also key to managing plantar fasciitis, and making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes with proper arch support, and stretching regularly can help prevent this painful condition from developing or recurring.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis pain, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to promote healing and minimize discomfort.
If you are suffering from heel pain or believe you may have plantar fasciitis, contact our board-certified podiatrists at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists for a consultation or schedule an appointment directly from our website today.
