Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar regions of the foot, namely the heel, arch, and midfoot. When too much stress is put on the plantar fascia, or the connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of your foot, inflammation, overtightening, and tearing may arise. This can cause foot pain. Because of plantar fasciitis, you may experience tearing with the first steps you take in the morning each day.
A certain trigger that may cause stress to the plantar fascia includes poor arch support, which is brought upon by frequently walking barefoot or wearing shoes with improper arch support. Other causes include obesity or a sudden increase in weight, increased physical activity, weak foot and ankle muscles, tight calf muscles, and arthritis.
If you’re feeling pain after sitting, walking, or standing for a long period of time, as well as when you first step out of bed or climb stairs, you may be showing signs of plantar fasciitis. To know for sure what’s causing you pain, it’s best that you get an x-ray taken of your foot.
Because plantar fasciitis is known to worsen over time, it’s recommended that you meet with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation affecting the band of tissue (plantar fascia) extending from your heel to your toes on the bottom of your foot. The tissue first becomes irritated and then inflamed.
The irritation is typically due to repetitive movement of the plantar fascia when it doesn’t have the stability or support it needs. This puts stress on the tissue that leads to micro-injuries (tiny tears) of the fibers. Ongoing stress on the fibers means your body can’t repair the injured tissue.
People with structural problems like flat feet or high arches are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Using footwear that doesn’t provide the proper support when you walk, or running on hard, flat surfaces also strains the plantar fascia, and people doing jobs or activities where they spend long hours on their feet often develop this condition. Obesity may also be a factor.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis produces intense pain on the bottom of your heel that sometimes spreads into the arch of your foot. There may be some swelling as well.
Post-static dyskinesia is a feature of plantar fasciitis. It refers to heel pain that is often especially severe when getting up in the morning or after you’ve had a long period of rest.
The pain might improve with motion, then worsen with increased activity and toward the end of the day. Plantar fasciitis pain is also likely to get worse the longer it goes untreated.
As there are many possible causes of heel pain, your provider at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists uses X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team typically uses nonsurgical treatments to begin with, such as:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Avoiding going barefoot
- Putting ice packs on your heel
- Limiting physical activities
- Wearing shoes with arch supports and slightly raised heels
- Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Custom orthotics
- Shoes with a rigid or semi-rigid sole
- Removable walking boot
- A night splint
- Physical therapy
- Soft tissue massage and mobilization
- Cold laser therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
If these measures are unsuccessful, your podiatrist may perform plantar fascia release surgery. This outpatient procedure involves cutting into the tissue to release the pressure. Your surgeon may also remove any heel spurs (bony growths) they find.
The Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team can often perform plantar fascia release using minimally invasive techniques, but may need to use an open approach depending on what’s best for each patient.
If you have troublesome heel pain, call the Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team today, or book an appointment online.
