Kansas City Podiatrist Joel Foster DPM Explains the True Definition and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
If you’ve ever experienced sharp heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning or after a long period of sitting, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This common foot condition can make walking and daily activities difficult. So, how can you tell if plantar fasciitis is the cause of your foot pain?
Dr. Joel Foster, a leading podiatrist in Kansas City, clarifies what plantar fasciitis truly is and debunks some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Although the condition is often called plantar fasciitis, this term is technically a misnomer. The plantar fascia, a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot, typically thickens rather than inflames, so the more accurate term for this condition is plantar fasciosis. However, it is common to experience small tears in the plantar fascia or inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue as well.
Common Misconception About Plantar Fasciosis:
1. Plantar Fasciosis is Only Caused by Running
While running is a common cause, plantar fasciosis can affect anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, such as teachers, healthcare workers, or retail employees. Other factors like poor footwear, obesity, and foot structure (such as flat feet or high arches) can also contribute to the condition.
2. Heel Spurs Cause Plantar Fasciosis Pain
Heel spurs are often found in people with plantar fasciosis , but they are not the cause of the pain. The pain in plantar fasciosis actually comes from inflammation of the soft tissues in the feet, not the presence of a heel spur. Many people with heel spurs have no pain, while others with plantar fasciosis may not have a spur at all.
3. Resting Completely Will Cure It
While rest is important, complete inactivity is not necessary for healing. In fact, complete rest can lead to stiffness and weaken the muscles in the foot. Active rest, like low-impact activities (swimming or cycling), along with proper stretching and strengthening exercises, can help heal plantar fasciosis faster.
4. It Only Affects Older Adults
Although plantar fasciosis is more common in people over 40, it can affect individuals of all ages, including athletes and younger people who engage in high-impact activities or have certain foot structures like flat feet or high arches. It’s not an age-specific condition.
5. Surgery Is the Only Solution for Severe Cases
Surgery is rarely necessary for plantar fasciosis. The vast majority of cases can be treated effectively with non-surgical methods such as, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments. Surgery is considered only after conservative treatments fail.
How Can I Tell If I Have Plantar Fasciosis?
You may have plantar fasciosis if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Heel Pain: A sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, especially after getting out of bed or standing up after sitting for a while.
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Morning Pain: Pain and stiffness that is often worse in the morning, when you first take steps after getting out of bed.
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Pain after Activity: You may notice that the pain improves somewhat during the day with activity but worsens after standing for long periods or after exercise, especially running or walking.
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Tenderness on the Bottom of the Foot: Pressing on the bottom of your foot, particularly near the heel, may cause pain or discomfort.
However, to get an accurate diagnosis, it’s important to visit a podiatrist. If left untreated, plantar fasciosis can lead to chronic pain, walking difficulties, or even problems with other parts of your body due to compensating for the pain. When you come in for an office visit with Dr. Joel Foster, he will first take x-rays of your foot to rule out other conditions like heel spurs or fractures, and then perform a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle. With this information, we can come up with a treatment plan specifically for you.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciosis:
Fortunately, with modern treatments, we achieve a 99% success rate in resolving this condition without surgery. At our office, we always start with non-surgical treatments before considering more advanced options. Some of our most effective treatments include:
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Custom Foot Orthotics: Our custom-made orthotics are designed to provide targeted support and biomechanical control based on a mold of your feet. We evaluate problem areas and create orthotics that can be used in athletic, walking, or dress shoes for optimal comfort.
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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EPAT): EPAT is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing in the plantar fascia using sound waves to promote tissue repair.
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Aquaroll Therapy: This therapy uses rolling submerged glass beads over the feet to reduce pain and accelerate healing in the affected tissue.
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Laser Therapy: A drug-free alternative to injections, laser therapy enhances circulation and stimulates tissue repair to speed up the healing process naturally.
If you're experiencing heel pain, especially after periods of rest or in the morning, you may be dealing with plantar fasciosis. Early intervention is crucial to managing this condition and getting you back on your feet. If you're unsure whether you have plantar fasciosis or need help with treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our office. Dr. Joel Foster is here to provide expert care and help you find relief from foot pain.
