What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Today, I want to talk to you about a foot condition that I see far too often in my clinic: plantar fasciitis. If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot when you take your first steps in the morning, there’s a good chance you’ve met this unwanted guest.

The Basics of Plantar Fasciitis

So what is plantar fasciitis? In the simplest terms, it’s an inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When this band becomes irritated or inflamed, you’re officially a member of the plantar fasciitis club.

But let’s dive deeper, shall we?

Understanding Your Foot Pain

A key to understanding plantar fasciitis is knowing how your foot works. When you walk, your foot lands heel-first, then the rest of your foot follows, smoothing out the impact. This is called pronation.

Now imagine a bowstring running from your heel to the front of your foot. That’s the plantar fascia. As you move, it stretches and contracts, absorbing the shock of your steps. But if you add too much pressure – or stress – to that string, it can develop small tears. And that, my friends, leads to inflammation and pain, the main symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

One of the telltale signs of plantar fasciitis is experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain near the heel of your foot. It’s usually worst with the first few steps after waking up, although it can also be triggered by standing for long periods or when you stand up after sitting.

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Intense heel pain in the morning: Your first steps out of bed may feel like you’re stepping onto a sharp object. This pain generally decreases after a few steps as your foot limbers up.
• Pain after periods of inactivity: Have you been sitting or standing in one spot for a while? The pain might return when you get up to move around.
• Pain after exercise: Interestingly, the pain isn’t usually present during physical activity but tends to flare up afterward.
• Tenderness in the bottom of your foot: This can be a symptom, too.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Don’t try to tough it out and risk causing further damage. It’s essential to take these signs seriously and seek help if the pain persists.

Common Causes

There are countless reasons why you might develop plantar fasciitis:

• Overuse or intense physical activity
• Spending long hours on your feet
• Being overweight or obese
• Wearing shoes with poor support
• Age, particularly if you are between 40 and 60

These factors place extra stress on your plantar fascia, leading to those dreaded small tears.

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

You’re probably wondering, “Dr. Iroko, how do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?” Well, the most straightforward answer lies in a doctor’s office. Doctors diagnose plantar fasciitis primarily through a physical exam. They will press on your foot to locate the pain point and might also have you flex your foot and toes while they press on your plantar fascia.

However, don’t wait until your foot is in severe pain to seek help. If you notice any persistent discomfort in the bottom of your foot, it’s worth bringing it up with your doctor.

Treatment

As much as I’d love to tell you there’s a quick fix for plantar fasciitis, it usually involves several steps:

1. Rest: Giving your foot a break from high-impact activities is a must.
2. Ice: This helps reduce inflammation.
3. Over-the-counter medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation.
4. Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help strengthen your lower leg muscles, stabilize your walk, and reduce the load on your plantar fascia.

Prevention

Although I can’t guarantee that you’ll never experience plantar fasciitis, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your plantar fascia.
• Choose supportive shoes that cushion your heel and arch.
• Avoid standing or running on hard surfaces.
• Warm up before exercise and incorporate foot stretches into your routine.

Plantar fasciitis may be common, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. If you suspect you might have plantar fasciitis, reach out to your doctor. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can step out pain-free.