Heel Pain Explained: Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Treatments

Ever hop out of bed and feel like you just stepped on a Lego, but there’s nothing there? That sharp pain in your heel means that you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain. Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It functions as a shock absorber of sorts, absorbing the impact of each time your foot meets the ground. When it becomes inflamed, you’ll experience sharp pain on or near your heel. This typically happens when you’re taking your first steps after a long period of sitting or sleeping. It then will typically ease as you get moving.

There is no single cause of plantar fasciitis, but there are certain contributing factors that are seen most often in those who develop the condition. Something important to remember is that these factors are repetitive – your risk of developing plantar fasciitis after a one-off hard workout is fairly low. It’s doing these things over and over that put you at risk of developing the condition.

• A highly physical job that has you on your feet all day
• Running or doing high-impact workouts
• Wearing unsupportive shoes
• Having high arches or flat feet
• Carrying extra weight

Here’s the good news – plantar fasciitis is common, absolutely treatable, and unlikely to require surgery. Your physician will likely recommend some immediate changes and treatments that can help ease the discomfort.

• Ice the area to calm the inflammation
• Try gentle stretches for your calves and the bottom of your foot
• Wear supportive shoes (we cannot emphasize this enough)
• Use custom inserts or heel cups for extra cushioning
• Consider physical therapy

If your heel pain has been hanging around for more than a few weeks, or if it’s stopping you from doing things you love, then it’s time to get it checked out. The sooner you treat it, the faster you can recover. Come see us. We’ll help you figure out the issue and get you back on your feet in no time!