If you experience pain on the bottom of your foot, particularly around your heel and arch, it is likely to be caused by plantar fasciitis. This condition is quite common and can be treated with simple remedies such as rest, ice therapy, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If the pain persists despite trying various treatment methods, your healthcare professional might suggest cortisone shots in the plantar fascia or extracorporeal shock wave therapy. These effective treatments can help accelerate the healing process for individuals experiencing long-term heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as rest and physical therapy.
Symptoms
If you’re experiencing discomfort below your heel or on the underside of your foot, it could be an indication of plantar fasciitis. This condition is commonly marked by a sharp pain, especially when taking your first steps in the morning or getting up after sitting for a while. To learn more about the causes and treatment options for plantar fasciitis, click here.
The pain can also increase with weight bearing activity, such as walking or running, but can go away after a short period of rest. In severe cases, sitting for long periods can worsen the pain.
A health care provider may diagnose plantar fasciitis based on your medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will hold your foot in a flexed position and press on different parts of your sole to locate areas of tenderness.
If you’re not getting enough relief with over-the-counter NSAIDs or other treatment, you may need a cortisone shot, which reduces your symptoms. In severe cases, your health care provider might recommend surgery.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions and affects about 2 million people a year. It causes pain in the heel, arch or both areas.
Symptoms usually start when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long time, and they can get worse with activity. They can also get better after walking or standing for a while, but they often return after sitting for extended periods of time.
A doctor can diagnose plantar fasciitis with a physical exam. They may lightly press on the plantar fascia and ask you to describe how the pain feels throughout the day.
Typically, plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or strain on the ligament. However, it can also be caused by certain anatomic or functional risk factors, such as flat feet and overpronation.
Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot. It usually starts with the first few steps in the morning, and may worsen as you walk or run.
Fortunately, most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with simple treatment methods like resting, stretching and wearing shoes that are supportive for your feet. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) can also relieve pain and inflammation.
In addition, icing can help bring down swelling and inflammation. You can apply a bag of ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel to your heel and arch several times a day, or soak your feet in an ice bath.
Some people also benefit from physical therapy or wearing a night splint to stretch the injured tissue. If these treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or surgery to release the tight tissue in your heel.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis is to keep your feet healthy by wearing shoes that support your arch and heel. These shoes should fit well, have a thick sole and have a soft top layer of cushioning.
Another key to keeping your feet strong and healthy is to keep active on a regular basis. Just 10 minutes of exercise every day, or even a few times a week, can keep your foot muscles limber and your plantar fascia pain-free.
It’s also important to stay away from high-impact exercises like running and jumping. Instead, choose activities that are low-impact, such as swimming, walking and cycling.
