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Walking and other daily activities can be painful when you are dealing with heel pain. This discomfort may be caused by an issue with a specific ligament in the foot, so understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward finding relief. Here is more information on plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel pain, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options:
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot. This ligament connects your heel bone to your toes, and it supports the arch of your foot. When this band becomes inflamed, it causes a sharp, stabbing pain, usually felt in the heel.
The condition is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it affects millions of people in the United States each year. The pain is often most severe with the first few steps after waking up or after long periods of rest. As you move around, the pain may decrease, but it can return after extended periods of standing or activity.
What Causes It?
The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber, and repeated stress can cause small tears in the ligament. This repeated stretching and tearing may lead to inflammation and pain, so certain activities increase the risk. Factors that contribute to developing plantar fasciitis include age, obesity, and certain types of exercise.
Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel, such as long-distance running, contribute to this condition. People with flat feet or a high arch are also more susceptible because these foot mechanics can affect how weight is distributed. Occupations that require long hours of standing on hard surfaces can also strain the plantar fascia, leading to discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms?
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain near the heel, which is usually worse in the morning. The pain typically lessens as the day goes on, but it may flare up after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting. Individuals may describe the discomfort as a sharp pain or a dull ache.
How Can a Doctor Help?
A doctor will provide a diagnosis and recommend a range of treatment options to manage the pain and promote healing. Initial treatments often focus on conservative methods, and one common approach is taping or bracing the foot to support the arch and reduce strain on the fascia. Your doctor may also suggest night splints, which stretch your calf and the arch of your foot while you sleep.
For persistent pain, cortisone injections may be administered directly into the damaged section of the ligament to help reduce inflammation. Prescription orthotics are custom-fitted devices that correct structural foot issues and provide better arch support. More advanced treatments include platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use your own blood platelets to promote healing.
In rare cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief after several months, surgery may be evaluated. Plantar fascia release surgery involves cutting part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve tension, and this is typically reserved for severe cases. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific condition and symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Plantar fasciitis can be a painful and disruptive condition, but various treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms are the first steps toward finding relief. A medical professional can provide a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
