Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that many healthcare providers treat, especially among runners, with nearly 1 in 10 adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. Often referred to as "heel pain," this condition is more complex than just discomfort in the foot, and it is frequently overlooked. Many people hope the pain will go away on its own, but this often leads to prolonged discomfort every time they walk or stand. If you're dealing with persistent foot pain, it's worth considering whether plantar fasciitis could be the cause.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis (pronounced "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is the most common cause of foot pain, especially in the heel. It happens when a thick band of tissue called the "plantar fascia," which runs from your heel to your toes and supports your foot’s arch, becomes overstretched or irritated. This can lead to pain, sometimes making even the slightest pressure on your heel feel unbearable. Despite the pain, studies show there’s no significant inflammation in most cases—just wear and tear on the tissue. This is why treatments like anti-inflammatory injections often don’t work and can even cause further damage, like rupturing the fascia in some cases.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Several things can lead to plantar fasciitis, including:

• Wearing shoes that are too tight or don’t support your arch properly
• Standing, walking, or running on hard surfaces for long periods
• Being overweight
• Having foot problems like high arches or flat feet
• Injuries to the legs or feet, such as tight Achilles tendons or calf muscle problems
• Difficulty bending your big toe

These factors can cause small tears in the plantar fascia, which can make the pain worse over time. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to try some simple tests to see if you might have plantar fasciitis. The sooner you get checked, the sooner you can start getting relief.

Plantar Fasciitis Tests

First-Step Test:
When you first wake up and get out of bed, pay attention to how your foot feels. If you feel sharp pain, especially in your heel, this might be a sign of plantar fasciitis. If the pain gets a little better as you walk, it’s another clue.

Hot-Spot Test:
To perform this test, sit in a chair and cross one leg over the other. For example, if your right foot hurts, place your right ankle on your left knee. Then, using your thumb, gently press on different spots around your heel. If you find specific areas that are very painful to the touch, it could indicate that you have plantar fasciitis. These painful “hot spots” are a common sign of irritation in the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs across the bottom of your foot.

Treatment and Healing

If you think you have plantar fasciitis, don’t wait to get help. If left untreated, it can cause more pain and even permanent damage. Foot doctors, including podiatrists and physical therapists, agree that early treatment gives the best results.

Treatment varies for each person, but you don’t always need painful injections or surgery. There are simple things you can try at home to relieve the pain and help healing, like:

• Resting your feet (avoid putting too much weight on them)
• Applying ice
• Elevating your feet
• Doing stretching exercises for your toes, calves, and feet
• Buying shoes with better arch support
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications (but only as needed)

If you're experiencing pain in your heel or suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, it's important to address it early. Our team is here to help you find relief and get back on your feet. Book a consultation today by calling us at 865-392-1033 or click here to schedule.