Heel pain stands as a frequent complaint that patients bring to foot and ankle specialists. This discomfort may manifest keenly during those first few steps out of bed in the morning. This is typically a sign of plantar fasciitis. While this sharp, stabbing sensation feels debilitating, understanding the underlying mechanisms of the foot can provide a path toward plantar fasciitis treatment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The foot contains a thick band of tissue. This is known as the plantar fascia. This robust ligament connects the heel bone to the toes, running across the bottom of the foot. Its primary role involves supporting the arch and absorbing the shock generated when walking or running.
Under normal circumstances, the plantar fascia acts like a shock absorber for the foot. But when tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can arise in the fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing may irritate or inflame the fascia, leading to the condition known as plantar fasciitis.
Patients may describe the symptoms as a stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel. It can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when getting up from a seated position. The pain usually decreases after a few minutes of walking, but it might return after spending long periods on your feet.
What Causes It?
Identifying the source of the strain helps in selecting the right management strategy. Age plays a role, as the condition is common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Certain types of exercise that place a lot of stress on the heel and its surrounding tissues can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Foot mechanics also influence susceptibility. Being flat-footed, having a high arch, or even having an abnormal pattern of walking may affect the way weight is distributed when standing, adding stress to the plantar fascia. Obesity is another significant factor, as excess weight puts extra stress on the plantar fascia. Occupations that keep workers on their feet can damage the fascia over time.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover with conservative plantar fasciitis treatment methods, including resting. Tight muscles in the feet and calves can aggravate the condition. Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment. A therapist can instruct you in a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles. Taping the foot to support the arch also relieves strain.
Night Splints and Orthotics
Your physical therapist or doctor might recommend wearing a night splint. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight to facilitate stretching while you sleep. Custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, can help distribute pressure to the feet more evenly.
Medical Procedures
If conservative measures do not provide relief after several months, doctors might suggest other options. Steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief. Sound wave therapy may be directed at the area of heel pain to stimulate healing, and serves as another option for chronic cases. In rare instances where pain is severe and all other therapies fail, surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone becomes an option.
Consult a Foot and Ankle Specialist
While home remedies often resolve mild cases, persistent heel pain warrants professional evaluation. A foot and ankle specialist can utilize diagnostic imaging to rule out other potential issues. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes. A specialist may design a tailored recovery plan. They can address your specific anatomy and lifestyle needs, helping you return to pain-free movement.
