It’s a beautiful day for a morning jog. You spring out of bed, ready to lace up your shoes and hit the trail. When your foot hits the floor, a dull, throbbing pain radiates from your heel through the arch of your foot. While it could be that you simply forgot to stretch appropriately before your last run, it’s also possible that the discomfort you’re experiencing is caused by plantar fasciitis, a common--and painful--podiatric problem that one in 10 people experience at some point in their lives. Here’s what you should know about plantar fasciitis and how Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists’ experienced Dearborn podiatrist, Dr. Alexander Thomas, helps patients recover and return to their favorite activities.
Plantar Fasciitis is a Common Podiatric Complaint
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes. It supports the arch and helps you walk and run. The condition is a leading cause of foot pain in adults ages 40 to 60. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly one million people worldwide are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis each year. Plantar fasciitis affects a significant portion of the population, detracting from quality of life and contributing to more substantial health issues exacerbated by decreased mobility.
Exploring Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
People with plantar fasciitis usually experience pain on the bottom of the heel or in the arch of the foot, which many describe as a dull ache. If you find the first few steps in the morning very painful but the ache fades by lunchtime, you may be in the early stages of plantar fasciitis. Don’t be fooled by the disappearing pain. Over time, the ache will persist for longer periods as damage to the plantar fascia worsens.
Eventually, the plantar fascia may tear away from the heel bone entirely. Calcium deposits on the underside of the heel may begin to accumulate in the space between the ligament and bone, leading to a painful heel spur.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Everyone is familiar with the bones and muscles that make up the human body, but many people forget the importance of tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and ligaments, which run from bone to bone, keeping us all in one piece.
The plantar fascia, for example, is a ligament that helps your foot maintain its arch, which is essential for balance and overall mobility. Stretching from the heel bone to the ball of your foot, this rigid piece of connective tissue plays a key role in walking mechanics. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes stressed and inflamed. The condition can have numerous causes, including:
- Overuse. Repeated stress from high-impact activities can cause tiny tears in the plantar fascia, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
- Inappropriate footwear. Runners and walkers take note: Failure to invest in supportive footwear designed to cushion and protect your feet can lead to sidelining injuries like plantar fasciitis. Shoes that force your feet into unnatural positions also increase your risk for this condition. If you’re fond of flip-flops or sky-high heels, you can do your feet a favor by considering other options.
- Excessive standing. While humans aren’t meant to sit all day, we’re also not equipped to stand for long periods. Without the chance to rest, the plantar fascia can swell and become inflamed.
- Excessive weight. Similar to long periods of standing, excess weight can place additional stress on the structures responsible for keeping us upright, including the plantar fascia.
If you suspect lifestyle factors are contributing to your foot pain, our Dearborn foot and ankle expert can discuss steps you can take to minimize the wear and tear on this crucial ligament. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort. However, when the pain goes from intermittent to constant, or you find yourself frequently relying on a pain reliever to get through the day, it’s time to see a professional.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Fortunately, many of the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis are minimally invasive and inexpensive. After evaluating your lifestyle and overall level of health to identify the likely cause of your discomfort, we recommend any or all of the following to give your plantar fascia a chance to rest and recuperate:
- Rest. Staying off your feet allows the plantar fascia to heal any rips, tears, or other injuries that may be causing your pain.
- Changing footwear. If high-impact activity places unhealthy stress on your plantar fascia, we may suggest that you invest in footwear with additional supports to cushion your arches and help your feet maintain stability.
- Custom orthotics. Structural issues and abnormalities can cause excess pressure and stress on the feet. Custom orthotics can redistribute this pressure, reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
- MLS laser therapy. When lifestyle adjustments, orthotics, and physical therapy are insufficient, we may recommend laser therapy to accelerate the healing process for a damaged plantar fascia. This non-invasive, painless procedure has a high success rate.
Discover the Treatment Option That’s Right for You
Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists provides comprehensive podiatric care to patients throughout the Detriot area. If plantar fasciitis is causing you discomfort and interfering with your active lifestyle, we can help you get back on your feet and back to the activities you enjoy.