Plantar Fasciitis

Our world-renowned orthopedic surgeons and orthopedists are experts in their fields with specialized training to provide the optimal diagnosis and treatment for a range of orthopedic conditions. We are internationally recognized for delivering the highest-quality orthopedic care to our patients.

Plantar fasciitis ("PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen and irritated (inflamed). As a result, your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.

Plantar fasciitis is common in people between the ages of 35-60 years old. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or healthcare workers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament, which can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:

• Your feet roll inward too much when you walk (excessive pronation)
• You have high arches or flat feet
• You walk, stand or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• You are overweight
• You wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles

Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. Pain may lessen after taking those first few steps, but your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.

If you have foot pain at night, you may have a different problem, such as arthritis, or a nerve problem like tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Your doctor will check your feet and watch you stand and walk, and will also ask questions about:

• Your past health, including what illnesses or injuries you have had
• Your symptoms, such as where the pain is and what time of day your foot hurts most
• How active you are and what types of physical activity you do

Your doctor may take an X-ray of your foot if they suspect a problem with the bones of your foot, such as a stress fracture.

No single treatment works best for everyone with plantar fasciitis. But there are many things you can try to help your foot get better:

• Give your feet a rest. Cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Try not to walk or run on hard surfaces.
• To reduce pain and swelling, try putting ice on your heel. Or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Do toe stretches, calf stretches and towel stretches several times a day, especially when you first get up in the morning. (For towel stretches, pull on both ends of a rolled towel placed under the ball of your foot.)
• Get a new pair of shoes. Pick shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole. Alternatively, try heel cups or shoe inserts (orthotics). Use them in both shoes, even if only one foot hurts.

If these treatments do not help, your doctor may recommend splints that you wear at night, shots of medicine (such as a steroid) in your heel or other treatments. Surgery is often unnecessary, and only suggested for people who still have pain after trying other treatments for six to 12 months.

Plantar fasciitis most often occurs because of injuries that have happened over time. With treatment, you will have less pain within a few weeks. But it may take time for the pain to go away completely. It may take a few months to a year.

Stay with your treatment. This will help prevent constant pain when you stand or walk. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will experience relief.