Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of pain beneath your heel. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. 

The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. Repetitive stress on your feet can damage or tear this ligament and lead to plantar fasciitis. 

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain that’s most intense first thing in the morning is the telltale sign of plantar fasciitis. Pain may also appear after long periods of rest, like a car ride. People with plantar fasciitis usually experience more pain after exercise rather than during it. 

Many people with plantar fasciitis also develop heel spurs, or bony growths that protrude from the heel bone. However, heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain. 

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Most of the time, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific injury or event. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is overpronation, which means your foot rolls inward while walking. 

Certain factors may increase your risk of plantar fasciitis, including:

• Obesity
• Very high arches or flat feet
• Being between ages 40-60
• Repetitive stress from activities like long-distance running
• Jobs that require long periods of standing, like teaching

Starting a new activity or increasing the frequency or intensity of your workout routine can also increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. 

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

First, your provider at Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists asks you to describe your pain and symptoms. They carefully examine your foot to check for areas of tenderness and restricted mobility. 

Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve with conservative treatments, such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Ice packs
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Extracorporeal shock wave treatment

If you continue to experience heel pain from plantar fasciitis after a full year of conservative treatments, your provider at Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists may consider surgery.   

To find relief from plantar fasciitis, call Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.