Foot Pain (Plantar Fasciitis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Foot Pain: Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, such as running or walking for long periods of time on hard surfaces. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain in the heel that is worse in the morning or after a period of rest
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Tenderness to the touch on the bottom of the heel
• Stiffness in the heel
• A burning or aching sensation in the arch of the foot

Plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed with a physical examination. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to rule out other conditions, such as a stress fracture.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically includes:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
• Stretching
• Strengthening exercises
• Orthotics
• Medications
• Surgery

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and stretching. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and helps to absorb shock when you walk or run.

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, such as running or walking for long periods of time on hard surfaces. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support. Other risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time
• Having a foot deformity, such as flat feet or high arches
• Having a tight Achilles tendon
• Having a weak calf muscle

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel that is worse in the morning or after a period of rest. The pain may also worsen with activity, such as walking or running. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Tenderness to the touch on the bottom of the heel
• Stiffness in the heel
• A burning or aching sensation in the arch of the foot

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed with a physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also examine your foot and ankle. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to rule out other conditions, such as a stress fracture.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically includes:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
• Stretching
• Strengthening exercises
• Orthotics
• Medications
• Surgery

Rest is the most important part of treatment for plantar fasciitis. Avoid activities that aggravate your pain. This may mean taking a break from running or walking for a few weeks.

Ice can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to your heel for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Compression can help to support the plantar fascia and reduce swelling. Wear a compression bandage or wrap around your heel.

Elevation can help to reduce swelling. Prop your foot up on a pillow when you are sitting or lying down.

Stretching can help to loosen the plantar fascia and calf muscles. Stretch your plantar fascia by pulling your toes toward your shin. Stretch your calf muscles by standing with your feet flat on the floor and leaning forward until you feel a stretch in your calves.

Strengthening exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support the arch of the foot. Some strengthening exercises for plantar fasciitis include:

• Calf raises
• Toe curls
• Heel walks

Orthotics are shoe inserts that can help to support the arch of the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Orthotics are available over-the-counter or can be custom-made by a podiatrist.

Medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can be effective for mild to moderate pain. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids.

Surgery is rarely necessary for plantar fasciitis. However, surgery may be an option if other treatments have not been successful. Surgery for plantar fasciitis typically involves releasing the plantar fascia.

Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis

There are a number of things you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis, including:

• Wear shoes that provide good support and cushioning.
• Avoid walking or running for long periods of time on hard surfaces.
• Stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles regularly.
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.

If you do develop plantar fasciitis, it is important to see your doctor for treatment. Early treatment can help to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.