By far, the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain. Most patients say that the pain happens when getting out of bed in the morning, taking the first steps of the day.
Plantar fasciitis pain can also strike when you're standing up after an extended period of sitting. In most cases, the pain dissipates after walking and then returns the next time you stand up after resting. For athletes or sports enthusiasts, plantar fasciitis doesn’t strike during sports but afterward.
Many men and women who suffer from plantar fasciitis develop heel spurs. Usually, the plantar fasciitis is the root cause of both heel spurs and pain.
Abnormal foot structure often causes plantar fasciitis. If you have problems like flat feet or very high arches, you're more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
Athletes may suffer from plantar fasciitis. Activities like running and jumping place extra stress on the plantar fascia, potentially causing the damage leading to plantar fasciitis.
Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is long periods of standing on hard surfaces, especially if you wear improper footwear. Many teachers get plantar fasciitis because they spend so much time on their feet.
Extra weight can increase the load that your plantar fascia has to bear, and this can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Treatment depends on your symptoms. Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond very well to noninvasive treatments including:
If the above treatments don't work, other options can include:
Learn more about the connection between heel and ankle pain in our article on can plantar fasciitis cause ankle pain.
In rare cases, some patients may need surgery for plantar fasciitis, but most sufferers respond very well to the noninvasive measures above. If you're unsure whether your symptoms require professional care, you can learn more about when to seek treatment in our guide on how to know if you should see a foot doctor.
Put an end to heel pain today by scheduling an appointment online or visiting the Foot and Ankle Specialists location nearest you. You can receive care at any of our convenient locations in Bountiful, Brigham City, Ogden, Sandy, Tooele, or West Valley, helping you recover safely and avoid recurring pain.