The key to finding relief from foot pain is pinpointing the source of your pain so you can treat it appropriately. Take note of when your feet hurt the most. If it’s first thing in the morning, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition that flares up after rest or a night of sleep.
If you’re wondering whether your heel pain is related to plantar fasciitis, keep reading. Our board-certified podiatrists share the top signs you might have plantar fasciitis.
Fascia is a thin connective tissue that holds muscles, organs, bones, and blood vessels in place. It’s made of many layers with a special liquid 一 hyaluronan 一 between each layer.
Fascia is designed to be flexible and move, but if it becomes stressed or inflamed, it can thicken. And because it contains almost as many nerves as your skin, inflamed fascia can hurt.
Your plantar fascia is the fascia located on the bottom of your foot, running from the back of your heel to your toes. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation and swelling of this fascia.
Flat feet, quickly increasing mileage while running, jumping too quickly into a workout routine, and being overweight all contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Our patients have described plantar fasciitis as both dull aches and stabbing pains, but foot pain alone isn’t enough to diagnose plantar fasciitis.
Here are a few more red flags that you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis:
While plantar fasciitis is notorious for causing pain in the morning, it can also flare up after intense exercise sessions.
Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis can linger for months, which can take a serious toll on your quality of life, so if you notice any of the red flags above, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
At Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists in southeastern Florida, we start with a comprehensive exam and a review of your symptoms.
Once we have determined that plantar fasciitis is the cause of your pain, we may recommend conservative treatments, such as over-the-counter pain medication, physical therapy, and modifications to your exercise routine.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also benefit from wearing night splints or orthotics. Night splints help hold your foot in active mode while you’re sleeping. By stretching your feet all night long, you experience less of a jolt when you step out of bed.
Similar to night splints, custom orthotics also help alleviate plantar fasciitis, although you wear orthotics during the day. Custom-made orthotics redistribute the pressure placed on your foot. This means less stress on your heel, which can help with plantar fasciitis.
Other treatment options available at our Tamarac, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Boca Raton, or Coral Springs, Florida, offices include:
Say goodbye to morning foot pain and start exploring your plantar fasciitis treatment options. Call the office of your choice or book an appointment online.
