3 Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis: When To See An Orthopedist

Look Out For Plantar Fasciitis

Feet are essential every day for hours of standing, running, or moving around. So foot and heel pain is normal. Sometimes, that heel pain could be severe inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue connected to the heel that stretches under the foot. From there, the tissue splits to connect to each of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot injuries affecting 1 in 10 people every year. Fortunately, there are ways to treat the condition, including seeing an orthopedist.

Understanding your plantar fascia

The plantar fascia is a crucial shock absorber, bears the body’s weight, and supports the foot’s natural arch. The plantar fascia can become inflamed by overuse, especially by athletes like runners. People with high arches or who wear the wrong shoes can develop the issue as well. The condition could be hard to detect and is often confused with swollen feet after a long day. These 3 symptoms can help point out plantar fasciitis.

1. Look out for heel pain

People with plantar fasciitis will notice pain at the bottom of the heel. The pain could be dull or a sharp burning sensation lasting for long periods. Plantar fasciitis pain can move to the middle area of the bottom of the foot. Some people report tingling and difficulty flexing the toes. If the pain is noticeable and impacts the quality of life, see a doctor right away.

2. Pain after rest

The band of tissue can become swollen due to constant inflammation. This swelling happens especially at rest. Some people with plantar fasciitis will feel heel pain from standing after waking up. Others may feel pain after long periods of sitting or lounging. Pain after rest is one of the most common signs of plantar fasciitis.

3. Pain after exercise

Most plantar fasciitis patients are athletes, particularly runners. Most runners will feel pain after a long period of training. The excess movement can cause unwanted inflammation. Surprisingly, heel pain does not happen during physical activity. Athletes will feel the pain right after the activity, for example, during recovery.

Treating your plantar fasciitis

Most cases of plantar fasciitis are mild and can be addressed non-surgically. Start by resting as much as possible while using an ice pack to reduce the swelling. Some simple stretching exercises and bracing can help relieve the pain as well. Some over-the-counter NSAIDs can help with pain, especially during the night.

Time to see your orthopedist

Non-surgical methods can help but can fail some people. Furthermore, if the pain is chronic and affecting movement, see an orthopedist. An orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon is a doctor specializing in issues related to the bones, ligaments, and muscles. The doctor will perform a physical exam and, in some cases, an ultrasound or MRI. The next steps for treatment could include steroid injections and physical therapy. In serious cases, the doctor may suggest surgery.

Keep that heel pain in check

Plantar fasciitis is quite painful and could even limit movement for some people. If identified early, most cases can benefit from non-surgical means. However, to relieve the issue, some patients need surgery. With surgery, the plantar fascia is cut to release the added tension. After recovery, the pain should reduce significantly. Speak with the orthopedist for the best options to treat heel pain.