Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, & Prevention
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, known as the plantar fascia.
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. In this recent clinical study on NCBI (updated June 7, 2020), it was revealed that plantar fasciitis accounts for 10% of runner related injuries (some studies show as high as 22%), and 11% to 15% of all foot symptoms requiring medical care for adults between the ages of 25 and 65 years old.
Based on the number of patients we see here at Preferred Foot & Ankle for plantar fasciitis, we believe these stats are conservative.
Dr. Jarman estimates that 60 to 70% of the adult patients he sees are for this condition, and can confidently state that it’s over 50%.
(In children, heel pain from Sever’s disease can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis.)
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially during your first steps in the morning.
- Pain that worsens after prolonged activity or standing.
- Tenderness along the bottom of the foot or near the heel.
- Difficulty walking or standing comfortably.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is overuse, followed by acute injury to the plantar fascia. It is an inflammatory condition that originates at the connection of the plantar fascia in the heel bone.
“This band is a steel cable, not a rubber band. It does not stretch when there are abnormal forces placed across the band. You will get micro tears, which cause the symptoms of pain.”
– Dr. Jarman
Other causes include:
- Wearing footwear that does not provide proper support
- Regularly running, jogging, or walking for long distances
- Being overweight
- Standing on your feet for long periods
- Bone spur on the heel
- High-impact exercise such as basketball, gymnastics, and dance
- Flat feet or high arches
You may also experience plantar fasciitis if you suddenly increase your level of physical activity.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
There are multiple treatment options for plantar fasciitis. The vast majority of patients, both acute and chronic, usually do not require surgery.
Common plantar fasciitis treatments include:
- Applying ice or cold packs to the affected area at least twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes
- Resting the foot for at least one week
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Orthotic inserts to support the foot
- Wearing shoes that provide greater support
- Performing careful stretching exercises before and after weight-bearing activities
- A night splint (worn while sleeping) that keeps the foot stretched at night
Your doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle changes, particularly weight loss, to reduce pressure on the foot and therefore the plantar fascia.
Typically, your podiatrist will recommend following your treatment plan for at least six months before even considering surgery. Conservative treatment works for around 95 percent of patients.
There are a number of reasons you might experience heel pain. While foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs, are all common causes of heel pain, the issue could be as simple as spending prolonged periods of time on your feet or wearing poorly fitting shoes – or footwear that is inappropriate for the activity you’re performing.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Ryan had one of the more challenging cases of Plantar Fasciitis. After seeing two other podiatrists, Ryan wanted to make sure there wasn’t an alternative solution to surgery, and sought out a second (actually third) opinion from Dr. Jarman with Preferred Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Brenda’s Experience with Non-Surgical Plantar Fasciitis Treatment (October 28, 2020)
“I have been in excruciating pain due to plantar fasciitis for the last several months. I have tried everything suggested on the internet. I went to my GP but got no relief. Yesterday, I called this amazing office. They got me in that same afternoon, took x-rays and visited with doctor. He and his terrific med techs explained all about the plantar, correct shoes and what to expect. I ended up getting steroid injections in both heels — not a walk in the park, but tolerable. They also gave me a night splint. I walked out of the office much better! But, unbelievably, I slept a full ten hours last night in no pain due to shots and splint. Those first steps were not painful!!! I walked 3 miles this morning and my feet are virtually pain free. I can not say enough about this office and the treatment I received. ‘Call a specialist’. Thank you!”
Can You Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis isn’t always avoidable, these steps can help reduce your risk:
- Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
- Stretch your feet and calves regularly, especially before physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your feet.
- Replace worn-out shoes to ensure proper support during daily activities.
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