Foot pain is a common affliction for many adults. Your feet are complex structures of bone and tendon, and you rely on them to carry you through your busy life. Whether it’s injury, overuse, or a chronic condition like arthritis, foot pain can quickly put you on the sidelines.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of foot pain, affecting nearly 2 million Americans, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Plantar fasciitis can impact your ability to enjoy an active life. When your feet hurt, daily activities and hobbies become difficult.

Instead of living with foot pain or hoping it goes away on its own, let our Providers help relieve your plantar fasciitis pain. Our doctors are highly trained in identifying plantar fasciitis and its causes, and can develop effective treatment plans to resolve the condition. With proper treatment, you can keep foot pain at bay and return to enjoying your life.

Major causes of plantar fasciitis

You have a large band of fibrous tissue on the sole of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, that connects your heel to your toes. It’s the plantar fascia that makes it possible for you to lift your heel when you walk or run.

When you have plantar fasciitis, this fascia is inflamed. Inflammation causes irritation and pain in the sole of your foot. Inflammation can occur for a number of reasons, from chronic overuse or a sudden increase in activity to poorly fitting shoes.

If you walk, run, or stand a lot, and don’t properly stretch your leg and foot muscles, you may be more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. In these cases, tension builds in the plantar fascia. Tension leads to inflammation, and sometimes tears, in the tendon. This damage causes plantar fasciitis pain.

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is typically identified first as your heel feeling bruised. However, it also can cause pain in other areas of the bottom of your feet, from your heel to the base of your toes. It’s important to seek treatment for any type of foot pain before it becomes more severe. Common symptoms include:

• Pain with your first few steps in the morning
• Sore heels
• Sore feet
• Tight calf muscles
• Inability to maintain an active lifestyle without pain

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become severe and cause debilitating pain. With conservative treatment recommended by our Providers, however, plantar fasciitis can typically be resolved in a few weeks.