Plantar Fasciitis: Causes And Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain — and one of the conditions we treat most frequently in podiatric practice. If you’ve ever felt a sharp, stabbing sensation in your heel when getting out of bed or after standing for a long time, there’s a good chance plantar fasciitis is the culprit.
Understanding what causes it, recognizing the symptoms early, and knowing when to seek help can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term comfort.
Below, our friends from Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center explain the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the base of the toes. Its job is to support the arch and absorb shock with each step. Over time, repetitive stress can lead to inflammation or microtears in this tissue — a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
This condition affects both active individuals and those with more sedentary lifestyles. It’s especially common among runners, people with jobs that require prolonged standing, and individuals with flat feet or high arches.
What Does Plantar Fasciitis Feel Like?
Most patients describe the pain as:
- Sharp or stabbing in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning
- Worse after rest, such as sitting or sleeping
- Decreasing with activity, but often returning after prolonged standing or walking
- Localized to the bottom of the heel, though it can radiate toward the arch
While the pain may come and go at first, it often becomes more persistent without treatment.
Contributing Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis, including:
- Poor foot mechanics (flat feet or high arches)
- Unsupportive footwear, especially on hard surfaces
- Sudden increases in physical activity
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
- Obesity or increased body weight
- Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
Our goal is not just to treat the pain, but also to address the underlying causes to prevent it from recurring.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
In most cases, plantar fasciitis can be managed successfully with conservative care. Our typical treatment plan may include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and calf
- Custom orthotics to support proper foot alignment
- Night splints to stretch the plantar fascia during sleep
- Footwear guidance to improve support and shock absorption
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections for severe pain
- Shockwave therapy or other advanced modalities for chronic cases
Surgery is rarely necessary and reserved for cases that don’t respond to long-term conservative care.
When To Seek Podiatric Care
If heel pain lasts more than a few days, recurs frequently, or interferes with your ability to walk, it’s time to seek professional help from a podiatrist. The sooner we intervene, the faster and more complete your recovery will be.
Take The First Step Toward Relief
Plantar fasciitis can sideline your day — but it doesn’t have to. Through early evaluation and customized care, we help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.