This summer, are you experiencing a dull, annoying heel pain that’s getting worse? Is there a sharp pain in your arch that has you hobbling to keep your stride? Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions and causes of heel pain in adults. But how do you know if you have it?
Symptoms:
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t look like anything on the outside, but it sure can be felt on the inside! Heel pain is the most common symptom. Some people also feel pain in the arch of their foot.
What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
Everyone experiences plantar fasciitis a little differently. But the pain is often described as:
- Dull to sharp, stabbing pain in your heel
- Aching or burning that extends from your heel through the bottom of your foot
- Pain and stiffness, especially when you take your first steps after getting out of bed in the morning, or if you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while
- Pain that may become more intense as the day goes on, particularly if you’ve been standing or walking a lot
How do you get plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia ligament is strained. This strain causes the ligament to become weak, swollen and inflamed, which leads to heel and arch pain. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament, too.
What causes that ligament strain? Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot pressure on the arch of your foot.
Although anyone can get plantar fasciitis, activities like running, jogging and walking, or consistent long periods of standing or being on your feet, can often lead to this. However, you may be more prone to developing it if:
- You’re overweight
- You’re between the ages of 40 and 60
- You’re pregnant
- You’re a runner – about 1 in 10 runners get plantar fasciitis
- You’re on your feet for long periods of time, possibly on hard surfaces
- You walk on the inside of your foot
- You have high arches, flat feet or a tight Achilles tendon
- Your shoes don’t fit well, offer arch support or are worn out
How PT can help:
The good news is that here at Fitzgerald PT, we treat plantar fasciitis at the root of the problem. Often just taping, resting the foot, or using arch supports isn’t enough. Plantar fasciitis can typically take anywhere from 3-12 months to get better.
We want you to feel better. Even if you are just experiencing foot pain in general, we can help determine if you have Plantar Fasciitis or if it’s something different.
Our PTs at Fitzgerald are specially trained in the treatment of patients with foot pain and take a different approach. Give us a call at 781-321-7000 to learn more or easily book your appointment online now!
