Unraveling the Causes and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide. As a leading cause of heel pain that significantly impacts individuals' daily activities, it’s important to recognize the complex ways in which it affects the foot. In this article, we at Amarillo Foot Specialists will address plantar fasciitis and its underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and characteristic symptoms.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the plantar fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This fascia extends from the heel bone to the toes to provide arch support and behave as a shock absorber while running, walking, and standing.
However, when the fascia is subjected to excessive or repetitive strain, microscopic tears can develop, particularly at its insertion point on the heel. This damage triggers an inflammatory response that we know to be plantar fasciitis.
Who is at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition. Age (most commonly between 40 and 60), obesity, occupations that involve prolonged standing, cheap, unsupportive footwear (specifically shoes lacking arch support or adequate cushioning), tight calf muscles that limit ankle flexibility, deformities such as flat feet or high arches, and overtraining could all place great stress on the plantar fascia.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom is heel pain, which often presents with these characteristics:
Sharp, stabbing pain: Often described as a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest.
Pain worse after rest: Pain tends to decrease with gentle activity but may worsen again after prolonged standing or exercise.
Heel tenderness: Sensitivity or soreness in the heel, often aggravated by prolonged standing, walking, or pressure on the affected area.
Pain with dorsiflexion: Stretching the foot upward may increase pain.
Similar Foot Conditions to Plantar Fasciitis
Since these symptoms are general, it’s important to distinguish plantar fasciitis from other conditions that cause similar heel pain, such as:
Heel spurs: These cause bony projections on the heel bone, which you may not see in plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis: Look for pain in the back of the heel rather than the bottom.
Nerve entrapment: Compression of nerves in the foot can cause pain and numbness in the heel. Look for tingling, which is not often associated with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis if Left Untreated
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, it can lead to several long-term complications. Chronic heel pain is common, but people often develop abnormal gait patterns to compensate for the pain. In turn, this causes pain in other areas of the body, such as the knees, hips, and back.
In general, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can worsen over time, so it’s important to intervene with a podiatrist’s help before the condition impacts your quality of life.
Do you want to finally resolve your foot and ankle problems? Contact Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists in Amarillo, TX, for a consultation. Please reach out to us at (806) 322-3338.