Plantar fasciitis is pain that originates in the plantar fascia, a connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that runs from the heel bone to the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs impact from everyday activities like walking, jumping, or running. Because of this, it can sometimes feel like heel pain or pain in the sole of the foot, and it’s often confused with a heel spur, although in that case, the pain is caused by an abnormal bone growth on the heel.
Generally, plantar fasciitis develops from constant stress or tension on the plantar fascia, leading to small tears or overstretching that can cause irritation or inflammation.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis
Although plantar fasciitis can sometimes occur without an obvious cause, there are certain factors that can contribute to its development, such as:
- Age: people between 40 and 60 years old are more prone to developing it.
- Exercise: certain types of exercise place excessive strain on the heel and surrounding tissue, including aerobic dance, ballet, and long-distance running, among other examples.
- Prolonged standing: whether due to lifestyle, job type, or other circumstances, people who spend most of the day standing or walking on hard surfaces have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Foot shape: conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or certain walking patterns can place added tension on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity: excess weight puts additional pressure on this area of the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing pain in the sole of the foot near the heel, typically most intense in the morning when you first start walking. It also tends to recur after long periods of rest, since the plantar fascia tightens during inactivity.
Someone with plantar fasciitis may also experience foot pain while walking or after long periods of standing.
Beyond pain, the heel may also feel tender to the touch, especially when pressed.
Another symptom of plantar fasciitis is foot stiffness, which often occurs in the morning or after extended rest.
Symptom intensity can vary significantly from person to person, though the condition generally worsens over time if not properly treated.
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain, potentially causing problems with walking, as well as issues in the foot, knee, hip, or back.
How Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Treated?
A common question is how to cure plantar fasciitis. The reality is that this condition can be persistent and therefore challenging to fully resolve; in some cases it can be cured, while in others significant improvement allows for an active, pain-free life.
Various treatments can be used for plantar fasciitis, and the best choice depends on each patient’s individual characteristics.
Common treatments include pain relievers to ease inflammation and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis.
Physical therapy is a valuable tool for learning how to properly stretch both the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon; in some cases, devices such as night splints, boots, crutches, canes, or orthotic insoles may be needed to help support the foot correctly.
Other procedures may be used if conservative treatments haven’t provided the expected results. In these cases, a doctor might recommend steroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, ultrasonic tissue repair, or, in some cases, a surgical procedure to release the plantar fascia from the heel bone, this last option is typically considered a last resort.
Is It Good to Walk with Plantar Fasciitis?
Since walking is a priority for nearly everyone, people with plantar fasciitis should follow certain guidelines to stay mobile while minimizing pain or discomfort.
Some steps that can help prevent the pain from getting worse include walking in moderation and avoiding overdoing physical activity.
Shoes designed for plantar fasciitis, along with walking on soft surfaces when possible, can also help.
Appropriate stretching exercises are beneficial for plantar fasciitis, as is rest, both of which can help reduce pain intensity. Most importantly, listen to your body, even if you don’t feel like you’ve overdone it, pay attention if your body signals that an activity is causing harm.
If you’re wondering how to relieve heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, see an orthopedist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, this will not only help prevent the pain from worsening, but may even help resolve the condition entirely.
At ABC Medical Center’s Orthopedics and Trauma Center, we can provide you with specialized care if you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis. Contact us!
