Plantar Fasciitis - Heel Pain

Professional Help for Heel and Foot Arch Pain

Does this sound familiar: “My heels and feet hurt first thing when I get up in the morning or after sitting for a period of time, and it often gets worse during the day.” Heel or foot arch pain, especially first thing in the morning, can indicate plantar fasciitis.

What Is the Plantar Fascia?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the underside of your foot. It attaches to the heel bone, running along the foot’s bottom to the forefoot. This material acts as a ‘spring’ to support the foot when walking, running, and jumping, helping absorb shock and push you forward.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is among the most common causes of heel and foot pain. However, it can present differently, with pain occurring anywhere along the arch or under the heel. Inflammation and swelling are often associated with micro-tears of the fascia, especially the attachment sites on the heel bone.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common clinical symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain under the heel or arch when taking your first few steps in the morning. Typically, the pain gets better with time. Other symptoms can include an ache in the arch or a burning sensation after prolonged standing or sitting, and pain upon resting. In addition, the heel or inside of the arch can become swollen and hot to the touch.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The condition is caused by increased stress along the plantar fascia. Repeated stretching or overuse can cause the soft tissue to tear or inflame, often resulting in micro-tears or, in extreme cases, complete rupture of the plantar fascia. Several risk factors contribute to developing plantar fasciitis, including:

A sudden increase in exercise
Poor quality or ill-fitting footwear
Age, especially between 35 and 65
Foot mechanics: People with a flatter foot or high arch are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis
Occupation: Those working long hours on hard or uneven surfaces are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis—for example, factory workers, nurses, teachers, and builders

What Is the Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

The first line of treatment is to reduce your symptoms by treating inflammation. This process involves icing the region, exercises to help with residual inflammation, and stretches to address your unique mechanics. In addition, your podiatrist may trial some padding if necessary to identify symptom improvements.

The next step is assessing your individual biomechanics and the forces to which your feet are subject. Then, depending on your tailored treatment plan, your podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear, prefabricated or custom orthotic, and the latest shockwave technology.

You Don’t Have to Live with Heel or Arch Pain

Please seek treatment as soon as you can. Left untreated, mild plantar fasciitis can become chronic, changing the soft tissue structures into what is described as ‘heel spurs’, becoming increasingly difficult to treat. In severe instances, untreated plantar fasciitis can result in complete rupture of the soft tissue structures, often needing surgery. Don’t wait. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis symptoms, book an appointment with one of our heel pain experts today.