Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Discovering the Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Methods

Many individuals overlook the minor discomforts they experience throughout their life, considering them just effects of aging. Nevertheless, when it comes to foot pain, it's tough to dismiss outright.

If you've been dealing with persistent, sharp, or nagging heel pain, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider. This might be a sign of plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot problem. This discussion will focus on what plantar fasciitis is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

The plantar fascia, a soft tissue structure at the foot's bottom connecting the heel bone to the forefoot and supporting the foot's arch, is often a culprit of heel pain, states Asim Sayed, DPM, AACFAS, a podiatrist at Fleishman Podiatry. The inflammation of this tissue, usually due to decreased range of motion, improper biomechanics, or unsuitable footwear, leads to plantar fasciitis.

This condition is mostly common among runners or those overweight, with more than two million people receiving treatment for it in the U.S. annually.

The root cause of plantar fasciitis is often overuse, points out Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE in New York City. He compares the plantar fascia to a rubber band which, when tight, pulls on your heel, creating pain and inflammation.

Activities like prolonged standing, heavy lifting, and prolonged wearing of inappropriate footwear can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

A sudden switch from inactivity to high activity can strain and inflame the plantar fascia, highlights John J. Brummer, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Brummer Surgical Podiatry in New York City. Stand-up jobs and being overweight make individuals prone to this condition, he adds.

Those with plantar fasciitis usually complain of sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of their heel, particularly intense during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest, observes Dr. Sayed.

This pain comes about when the connective tissue of the plantar fascia pulls on the heel or the arch of the foot stiffens, says Dr. Schaeffer. Upon diagnosis, a healthcare provider checks for tenderness and soreness in the heel bottom or arch.

As part of the examination, the provider will try to locate the pain by squeezing the heel, says Dr. Brummer. Ultrasound can diagnose plantar fasciitis, and x-rays may reveal a heel spur, both of which could cause and escalate the condition.

According to Dr. Schaeffer, treating plantar fasciitis, characterized by persistent pain, involves daily foot-muscle stretching to strengthen and stabilize them, icing the inflamed area during downtime, and intake of anti-inflammatories for comfort.

Dr. Schaeffer recommends using Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics for those on foot all day. Using these specially designed insoles proven to provide relief to those suffering from heel pain.

Other remedies include physical therapy, changes in footwear, and prescription orthotics. A healthcare provider might also suggest corticosteroid injections, regenerative medicine, and surgery.

Dr. Sayed advises wearing tennis shoes or sneakers with adequate arch support to prevent plantar fasciitis and limiting the use of flats, flip flops, and high heels.

He also advises adopting motion exercises and including lower extremity (particularly calf and ankle) stretching in your workout regimen as preventive measures.

Dr. Brummer suggests modifications such as using custom insoles, daily foot stretching, and foot icing pre- and post-workouts.

Like most medical diagnoses, recovery time can vary from individual to individual. If you can limit the time you spend on your feet and follow treatment orders, Dr. Brummer estimates that recovery time can be anywhere from two to six weeks.

“It depends a lot on how much of a demand the patient has on their feet or if their daily routine aggravates and exacerbates their condition,” he says.

Usually, conservative treatment can resolve the problem in as little as a few days but in many cases, more aggressive treatment is needed, says Dr. Sayed.  “In rare cases, symptoms can persist after months of conservative treatment and can require surgery.'

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t discriminate — it occurs in high-level athletes and in those who are sedentary. If you think you might suffer from plantar fasciitis, try stretching and icing as a first step. If the pain persists for more than three days in a row, it might be time for you to see a podiatrist.

Likewise, if you have already been diagnosed with the condition, but your symptoms are not improving or seem to be worsening, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can assess the situation and determine what changes need to be made in your treatment plan.