Plantar Fasciitis: Could This Condition Be Causing Your Heel Pain?
From symptoms to treatment, here's what you should know ahead of seeing a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
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Most people don't pay a lot of attention to every single ache and pain they experience in their life. Let’s be honest — many are just the complements of getting older. But when it comes to your feet, pain can be hard to ignore.
If you’re experiencing constant, sharp, nagging heel pain, it might be a good idea to get it checked out by a healthcare provider. You may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, a common foot issue. Here is what you need to know about plantar fasciitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a soft tissue structure that runs on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the forefoot, and helps support the foot's arch, explains Asim Sayed, DPM, AACFAS, a podiatrist at Fleishman Podiatry.
"Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, due to decreased range of motion, faulty biomechanics, or improper footwear," he says.
While this condition is more prevalent in runners or people who are overweight, more than two million people in the U.S. are treated for plantar fasciitis every year.
Causes and Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis
There are many causes for plantar fasciitis, but the most common tends to be overuse, says Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE in New York City. “Think of your plantar fascia like a rubber band. If the rubber band gets tight, then it will pull on your heel. This creates pain and inflammation.”
Some other causes of plantar fasciitis include certain types of exercise and occupations that require heavy lifting. Being on your feet for long hours and wearing improper footwear also can lead to plantar fasciitis.
“People who go from periods of inactivity to high activity can strain and inflame the plantar fascia," says John J. Brummer, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Brummer Surgical Podiatry in New York City. "Jobs that require standing [like] security or construction workers, traffic or police officers, professional dancers, professional athletes, sanitation workers, or people who are up and down on their feet in a regular office job, can all be at risk. Being overweight can also exacerbate symptoms.”
Related: The 11 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The most common complaint from individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of their heel, says Dr. Sayed. “The pain is usually more intense during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest."
Pain also occurs when the connective tissue pulls on the heel or the arch of the foot is stiff. These issues can cause tears in the plantar fascia, explains Dr. Schaeffer. “When diagnosing plantar fasciitis, your healthcare provider will check for soreness and tenderness at the bottom of the heel or in the arch.”
Through an exam, the healthcare provider will attempt to pinpoint the pain by squeezing the heel, says Dr. Brummer. “An ultrasound can be used to diagnose plantar fasciitis, and x-rays may reveal a heel spur, which can both cause as well as aggravate plantar fasciitis.” (A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone.)
Related: How to Stop Foot Pain From Standing All Day, According to a Podiatrist
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix to the nagging pain that is common with plantar fasciitis, says Dr. Schaeffer. “Treating plantar fasciitis can take time but stretching the foot muscles daily can help strengthen and stabilize them. In downtime, icing the inflamed area and taking anti-inflammatories can ease the discomfort.”
If you have to be on your feet all day, Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics can help, Dr. Schaeffer says. “These insoles are specially designed and clinically proven to aid those who suffer from heel pain for all-day relief." (These 10 Best Shoe Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis can also help ease the pain.)
Other treatment options include physical therapy, footwear changes, and prescription orthotics. Your healthcare provider also may recommend corticosteroid injections, regenerative medicine, and surgical intervention.
Related: Understanding Topical Pain Relief: A Comprehensive Guide
Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications
Proper footwear and how much time you spend on your feet are big factors when it comes to plantar fasciitis, says Dr. Sayed. “To prevent getting plantar fasciitis, I recommend wearing tennis shoes or sneakers with adequate arch support. Also limit the use of flats, flip flops, and high heels."
You also can implement a range of motion exercises. And, adding lower extremity (especially calf and ankle) stretching into your workout regimen can be solid preventative measures, he says.
Other lifestyle modifications include wearing custom insoles and stretching your feet daily, says Dr. Brummer. “Keep yourself flexible, wear your inserts, stretch your feet, and ice them before and after workouts."
Related: These Are the 12 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested & Reviewed
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Like most medical diagnoses, recovery time can vary from individual to individual. If you can limit the time you spend on your feet and follow treatment orders, Dr. Brummer estimates that recovery time can be anywhere from two to six weeks.
“It depends a lot on how much of a demand the patient has on their feet or if their daily routine aggravates and exacerbates their condition,” he says.
Usually, conservative treatment can resolve the problem in as little as a few days but in many cases, more aggressive treatment is needed, says Dr. Sayed. “In rare cases, symptoms can persist after months of conservative treatment and can require surgery."
When to Seek Medical Care
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t discriminate — it occurs in high-level athletes and in those who are sedentary. If you think you might suffer from plantar fasciitis, try stretching and icing as a first step. If the pain persists for more than three days in a row, it might be time for you to see a podiatrist.
Likewise, if you have already been diagnosed with the condition, but your symptoms are not improving or seem to be worsening, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can assess the situation and determine what changes need to be made in your treatment plan.
Related: 7 Plantar Fasciitis Stretches That Will Ease Foot Pain
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