Do You Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain, affecting millions. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from heel to toe. But how do you know if you have it?

Below, Fulshear Foot & Ankle has put together a guide that will help you determine that fact and take appropriate action, too.

You Might Have Plantar Fasciitis If…

…Your Heel Hurts First Thing in the Morning.

  • The Classic Sign: This is the most characteristic symptom. The pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or like stepping on a pebble.
  • Why It Happens: When you sleep, your plantar fascia shortens and tightens. Those first few steps in the morning stretch the inflamed tissue, causing pain.

…Your Heel Hurts After Periods of Rest.

  • “Post-Static Dyskinesia”: This is the technical term for pain that occurs after you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while.
  • Why It Happens: Similar to the morning pain, the plantar fascia tightens during rest; stretching it when you stand up causes pain.

…The Pain is Worse with Activity.

  • The Aggravating Factor: Plantar fasciitis pain often worsens with activities that put stress on the heel, such as running, walking, or standing for long periods.
  • The Pattern: The pain may be mild at the start of activity and worse during it.

…You Have Tight Calf Muscles.

  • The Connection: Tight calf muscles can limit ankle flexibility, putting extra strain on the plantar fascia.
  • What to Check: See if you can easily flex your foot and bring your toes up towards your shin. Limited flexibility could be a contributing factor.

…You Have Flat Feet or High Arches.

  • The Biomechanics: Both flat feet and high arches can alter the way weight is distributed across the foot, stressing the plantar fascia.

Treatment Options: Finding Relief

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, our podiatrists might recommend:

  • Custom Orthotics: To support your arch and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
  • Night Splints: To keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid or regenerative medicine injections can reduce inflammation (used judiciously).
  • Immobilization: In some cases, resting the foot in a boot may be a good idea.

Plantar fasciitis hurts, but it’s very treatable. Don’t let heel pain sideline you – take action and get back on your feet!

Fulshear Foot & Ankle, led by board-certified podiatrists Dr. Yumna Siddiqui and Dr. Kunal Amin, provides comprehensive, patient-focused podiatric care in Fulshear, TX. We treat a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions for patients of all ages, covering everything from routine foot care to advanced surgical procedures. New patients are always welcome! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.