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Sharp Heel Pain May Indicate Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis develops when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the toes becomes irritated. This irritation can cause a dull ache in the heel or a sharp pain along the arch that makes every step uncomfortable. Many people notice the pain, termed plantar fasciitis,  when taking their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The discomfort can become worse after spending hours on your feet or walking on hard surfaces. Although heel pain has several possible causes, plantar fasciitis is one of the leading reasons adults seek treatment from a podiatrist. 

Repeated strain on the plantar fascia is the main cause of this condition. Running, long periods of standing, and frequent walking can place extra stress on the feet. Risk factors include being between 40 and 60 years old, carrying excess body weight, and having flat feet or very high arches. Tight calf muscles can also increase strain on the bottom of the foot. Shoes that lack proper support or do not fit correctly can make symptoms worse. A podiatrist begins with a physical examination and asks about your symptoms, daily activities, and medical history. Watching you walk also helps identify movement patterns that place added stress on the foot. Imaging tests may be recommended when another condition is suspected.

Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the plantar fascia. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics, supportive braces, or other medical devices that help relieve pressure on the heel. A podiatrist can also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises that improve flexibility, reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and support recovery. In some cases, carefully placed injections help reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is reserved for severe cases that do not improve with other treatments. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Michael Tran  from AllCare Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Dallas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a connective tissue in the heel that stretches across the bottom length of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue becomes inflamed, causing heel pain and discomfort during physical activity. Although the condition is completely treatable, traditional methods can take up to a year to start becoming effective.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by a number of everyday activities, so understanding the condition is important for managing and treating it. One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is excessive running, especially with improper fitting or non-supportive shoes. Too much exercise can lead to the plantar fascia being overworked and overstretched, which can cause tears in the tissue. Along with improper fitting shoes, pronation, the rolling of the feet inward, is a common cause of plantar fasciitis. If not treated properly, the plantar fascia becomes overstretched and starts to tear, causing inflammation.

Despite the common causes of plantar fasciitis, there are many different treatment options. For less severe cases, conservative home remedies include taking anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain, applying ice packs to the bottom of your foot and heel, slowly stretching and exercising your feet to re-strengthen the tissue, and using orthotic devices are all ways to help manage your plantar fasciitis.

For more severe cases, shockwave therapy has become a common solution for plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy can effectively break up the tissue on the bottom of your foot which facilitates healing and regeneration. This fights the chronic pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Even if this doesn’t work, surgery is always a final option. Surgery on the tissue itself can be done to permanently correct the issue and stop the inflammation and pain in your heels.

No matter what the case may be, consulting your podiatrist is the first and best step to recovery. Even the slightest amount of heel pain could be the first stage of plantar fasciitis. Untreated symptoms can lead to the tearing and overstretching of tissue. Because the tearing of tissue can be compounded if it remains ignored, it can evolve into a severe case. The solution is early detection and early treatment. Talk to your podiatrist about the possibilities of plantar fasciitis if you’re experiencing heel pain.

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