Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It feels like a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, often first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed. As you move around, the pain goes away, but can return after any period of inactivity.

The exact cause varies, but plantar fasciitis often appears when you change either the duration or the intensity of a physical activity. A drastic change, for example, such as going from running five miles to running 10 miles can sometimes lead to plantar fasciitis.  

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, you’ll feel a stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot, in front of your heel bone. The pain gets worse when you flex your foot or if you push down on the plantar fascia. It usually diminishes the more you walk around, but exercise can sometimes make it worse. You want to make sure not to tear the plantar fascia through repetitive stretching that can cause increased irritation and inflammation.

Why do the bottoms of my feet hurt in the morning?

The pain is worse in the morning or after an extended period of inactivity because the tissues in the plantar fascia contract and tighten during rest. Placing weight on them again can cause stabbing or shooting pain as the tightened tissues react to a sudden change in pressure. After a few minutes of standing and walking, the tissues in the plantar fascia stretch and loosen up, decreasing discomfort.

What can I do about my plantar fasciitis?

Fortunately, plantar fasciitis usually goes away over time, but there are definitely steps you can take to get immediate relief:

Get Plenty of Rest

Stay off your feet as much as possible. If you really need to work out, limit your routine to low-impact exercise.

Wear Proper Footwear

Many believe that plantar fasciitis can develop when your athletic shoes lack the proper support and stability. (Also, don’t forget to replace worn athletic shoes.)

Stretch Before and After Exercise

Talk to your podiatrist about specific exercises that can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Wear Custom Orthotics

A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to provide additional support and stability that treats your plantar fasciitis.  

There’s no need to suffer from the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Talk to an experienced podiatrist at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine who will help create an effective treatment plan to address your aching feet and ankles. Call or visit online today.