(866) 552-4866 It is not atypical to experience bouts of plantar fasciitis. After all, this condition is one of the most common causes of heel pain and is estimated to affect roughly 2 million people in the United States each year. Many victims are athletes and anyone who leads an active lifestyle—runners, basketball players, tennis players, dancers, etc. That said, any working adult constantly on their feet (construction workers, retail professionals, waiters, teachers), can find getting around throughout the day to be extremely painful depending on the severity of their condition. This begs the question: Is it possible to prevent plantar fasciitis to begin with, and if you experience a flare up, how can you limit the severity and how long you must deal with it? The answer comes down to proper foot care.
Plantar fasciitis is widely considered an overuse injury. In other words, those impacted by it are generally on their feet too much, walking barefoot, or engaging in repetitive or high-impact movements like running and jumping that create micro-tears of the plantar fascia. While hearing the word "micro-tears" can sound concerning, most bouts of plantar fasciitis and the laundry list of symptoms can be resolved with conservative treatment versus surgery.
Do These Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis Sound Familiar?
- Dull, sharp, or shooting pain in the heel
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- General stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling around the heel
- A tight Achilles tendon
- Pain triggered by long periods of standing
- A constant ache
- Limited range of motion
- Possible bruising and discoloration
Even if you know what you are experiencing is plantar fasciitis, knowing all the ins and outs of the condition and how to properly treat it so that you can get back to what you enjoy doing can be confusing without speaking to a qualified podiatrist. At StrideCare, we provide the best podiatry care possible for any foot or ankle condition and educate you on your unique situation, what to expect moving forward, and the best treatment methods. No matter the condition, we want to address your heel pain questions so that you can make important health decisions.
Is your heel pain the result of plantar fasciitis? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the support you need for optimal foot care.
Why Is My Heel Hurting?
Plantar fasciitis is easily diagnosed because of its defining characteristics. This condition is marked by painful inflammation and small tears in the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. You are experiencing so much pain because this thick band supports the arch of your foot and absorbs an incredible amount of shock as you walk or run. When it is healthy, you never think twice about your activities. When it is injured or overused, the pain is about all you can think about.
The pain you experience can happen suddenly or develop over time. Often, you will feel unmistakable soreness and tenderness directly underneath the heel or on the back of the heel. As we said earlier, those who experience this condition describe the pain as dull, sharp, and shooting. Many people also experience stiffness, predominantly first thing in the morning, and occasional swelling.
As for what causes your plantar fasciitis, the quick answer is anything that puts a lot of pressure and strain on a foot.
- Overuse due to repetitive movements — As strong and limber as your feet are, something has to give when you run, jump, or perform other repetitive high-impact movements over and over—especially when you are doing it more than usual. The same is true when you are on your feet for long shifts.
- How you walk — Believe it or not, the extra strain caused by walking with a limp or with your feet naturally rolling inward or outward as you walk can add up and make each step feel like you are walking on a bruise.
- Your foot's shape — Flat feet, higher than normal arches, differences in foot function, and differences in muscle strength of the ankle have all been shown to create extra tension of the intrinsic muscles of the foot—thus leading to higher incidences of plantar fasciitis.
- Obesity — Our feet already absorb an incredible amount of shock and support our weight. If you are carrying extra weight, you are putting more stress on the bottom of your foot and heel with each step.
- You spend a lot of time standing — Your feet need a break occasionally. Even with the right shoes, the constant pressure from standing or walking all day can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Poorly fitted or cushioned shoes — Wearing shoes that are too big, too small, or do not have enough cushion can cause heel pain and plantar fasciitis. It is important to focus on comfort and support with every shoe you wear.
- Walking barefoot — To piggyback on the previous reason for plantar fasciitis, going barefoot on hard surfaces for long periods of time puts direct pressure on the plantar fascia.
Depending on the circumstances that led to your heel pain, as well as the location and severity, you need a podiatrist to properly diagnose you so that you can work together to devise the right treatment plan.
Foot care is essential to limit the impact plantar fasciitis has on your life. If you want to discuss your treatment options, schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
How Do I Prevent or Reduce Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Symptoms
Given that we use our feet for nearly everything, it is extremely hard to completely avoid some degree of heel pain at some point in our lives. That said, conditions like plantar fasciitis can be avoided, or symptoms can be reduced, if you work with a podiatrist, take steps to relieve pain, and follow safe and effective daily foot care.
Below are a few to consider:
- Limit activities that irritate or exacerbate an existing heel injury
- Try to avoid repetitive motions that could lead to heel pain
- Lose weight to reduce strain on your feet, heel, and ankles
- Ensure that you are always wearing the proper footwear
- Stretch properly before all strenuous activities
- Take breaks from standing too long or during strenuous activities
- Reduce inflammation with rest and ice
- Ask your podiatrist for a stretching treatment plan and physical therapy to improve flexibility
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Talk to your doctor about advanced interventions (steroid injections, shockwave therapy, surgery)
- Invest in custom shoe inserts to improve support and alleviate pressure on the heel
StrideCare Podiatrists Are Your Plantar Fasciitis Experts
Plantar fasciitis is a very common heel and foot condition that almost anyone can experience during their lifetime. The good news is that this condition does not have to be an obstacle for the things you love or need to do for work. Plantar fasciitis can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical methods, though often, conservative methods such as rest, ice, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications will be recommended first. If you want to reclaim your life, take the time to find the right podiatrist for your unique foot care needs.
Consultations with a StrideCare podiatrist can help identify the type, severity, and location of foot problems, allowing our expert doctors and compassionate staff to provide the latest treatments and technologies for our patients' benefit. StrideCare, the largest multi-specialty network in Texas, is dedicated in improving patients' quality of life by treating a variety of common and complex conditions, such as foot neuropathy, varicose veins, diabetic foot ulcers, leg and foot wounds, diabetic vascular issues, peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, and many foot-related conditions.
StrideCare provides caring patient care and support to help individuals reclaim their lives. With over 50 clinic locations throughout Texas, finding a StrideCare facility near you has never been easier. Each clinic is locally managed and Texas-based. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at 866-552-4866 or fill out our online appointment form.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.