Overview
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause intense heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that often occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
The cause of plantar fasciitis is poorly understood. It is more common in runners and in people who are overweight.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it also can be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.
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Causes
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue, called fascia, that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking.
Tension and stress on the fascia can cause small tears. Repeated stretching and tearing of the facia can irritate or inflame it, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis.
Risk factors
Even though plantar fasciitis can develop without an obvious cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. They include:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
- Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch or even an atypical pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
Complications
Ignoring plantar fasciitis can result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. You're likely to change your walk to try to avoid plantar fasciitis pain, which might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
Sept. 07, 2023
FAQs
Approximately 50% of patients with this condition will also have heel spurs, but the spurs are not the cause. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with runners and older adults, but other risk factors include obesity, heel pad atrophy, aging, occupations requiring prolonged standing, and weight-bearing.
What's the worst thing you can do for plantar fasciitis? ›
Things like running and jumping can be very detrimental to your plantar fasciitis recovery. Depending on the pain level, standing and walking can often be enough to increase the severity of inflammation.
What is the number one treatment for plantar fasciitis? ›
Stretching and Physical Therapy
Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching should be focused on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day.
Why have I suddenly got plantar fasciitis? ›
Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
What is commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis? ›
While it is a prevalent foot condition, it's crucial to recognise that several other conditions can mimic its symptoms. These include heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis.
How did I finally cured my plantar fasciitis? ›
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or staying away from activities that cause pain.
Does drinking a lot of water help with plantar fasciitis? ›
Drinking water can help manage plantar fasciitis-related inflammation and pain. Nerve pain. When people do not ingest enough water, their extracellular matrix—which surrounds the cells in every human tissue—can shrink, reducing the space between cells.
What foods flare up plantar fasciitis? ›
Refined carbohydrates like white bread and white pasta. Fried foods. High-fat dairy products. Red meat.
Is it bad to keep walking with plantar fasciitis? ›
Don't delay treatment
A “wait and see” approach sometimes makes sense for some minor health issues—but not for plantar fasciitis. If you continue to walk, run, and exercise with an inflamed plantar fascia, you will worsen micro-tears and increase your pain.
How to fix plantar fasciitis quickly? ›
For the majority of people, plantar fasciitis can be treated at home with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Others may need physical therapy or steroid injections to treat their foot.
It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Certain factors can cause plantar fasciitis to flare up, including lots of physical activity, wearing shoes without proper support, or rapid weight gain.
What is the best position to sleep in with plantar fasciitis? ›
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it's essential to avoid sleeping in a prone position (face/belly down) to prevent contracture of the Achilles' tendon and calf muscle.. Instead, opt for sleeping on your back or side with a pillow placed under your knees or between your legs, respectively.
Does rolling a ball under your foot help plantar fasciitis? ›
Rolling a ball, water bottle or foam roller under the arch of your foot can relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Using a frozen water bottle is an especially great option because it provides ice therapy while you stretch your foot.
What side of the foot is plantar fasciitis? ›
Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the foot, most commonly causing pain in the centre and inner side of the heel. It's caused by damage to the strong band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel, beneath the arch of the foot to the base of the toes.
Will plantar fasciitis go away on its own? ›
Does Plantar Fasciitis Cure on Its Own? Plantar fasciitis can go away on its own, but it can take more than a year for the pain to subside. Without treatment, complications can occur. It's better to see your doctor and start non-surgical treatments right away.
What is the number one cause of plantar fasciitis? ›
Plantar fasciitis is caused when you overuse or put too much stress on your feet. You can usually treat plantar fasciitis at home with over-the-counter medications, icing, rest and stretching.
What are 5 common causes of heel pain? ›
Causes of heel pain include:
- Achilles tendinitis.
- Achilles tendon rupture.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Bone tumor.
- Bursitis (A condition in which small sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near joints become inflamed.)
- Haglund's deformity.
- Heel spur.
- Osteomyelitis.
The tissue is called plantar fascia. It connects your heel bone to your toes, creating the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when you overstretch or overuse this thick band of tissue. It can be painful and make it hard to walk.
Can plantar fasciitis develop into something else? ›
3. Development of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are the most common consequences of untreated plantar fasciitis.
