Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes and Symptoms

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting over 2 million people each year. This condition can be particularly debilitating, causing significant discomfort and impacting daily activities. If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain, it’s crucial to understand what plantar fasciitis is, its symptoms, and how it develops. At East Gosford Podiatry, we specialise in diagnosing and treating common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, helping our patients regain their mobility and live pain-free.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The Basics of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This ligament acts as a shock absorber, supporting the arch of your foot. Over time, excessive stress and pressure can cause small tears in the fascia, leading to inflammation and heel pain.

How Plantar Fascia Works

The plantar fascia plays a crucial role in your foot’s mechanics. It helps maintain the arch of your foot and absorbs the impact of walking, running, and other activities. However, when this ligament is overworked or injured, it can become stiff, inflamed, and painful, resulting in the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Recognising the Signs

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or midfoot area, which can affect one or both feet. This pain is often most severe with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. It may also flare up after prolonged standing or intense physical activity.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Heel Pain: A sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel.
• Midfoot Pain: Discomfort or aching in the midfoot area.
• Swelling: Inflammation and swelling in the affected area.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult a podiatrist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the need for more invasive treatments later on.

Understanding the Underlying Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Risk Factors 

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. The shape of the plantar fascia makes it susceptible to tension and stress, leading to small tears and inflammation. Although plantar fasciitis can sometimes develop without a clear cause, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. These include:

• Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Certain Types of Exercise: Activities that place significant stress on your heel and the surrounding tissues, such as long-distance running, ballet dancing, and aerobic dance, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
• Foot Mechanics: Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or even an unusual walking pattern can impact the distribution of weight on your feet, increasing stress on the plantar fascia.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your plantar fascia.
• Occupations That Keep You on Your Feet: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as factory work or teaching, can elevate the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

While plantar fasciitis can be painful, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition:

• Wear Supportive Shoes: Choose footwear that offers good arch support and cushioning.
• Warm Up Before Exercise: Stretching and warming up can help prevent injuries.
• Replace Worn-out Shoes: Regularly replace athletic shoes to ensure they provide adequate support.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight in check reduces the stress on your feet.
• Allow Recovery Time: Avoid overtraining and allow your feet to recover between workouts.

Complications of Plantar Fasciitis

Neglecting plantar fasciitis can lead to persistent heel pain that significantly disrupts your daily activities. In an attempt to avoid the discomfort, you may unconsciously alter your gait, which can create a domino effect, potentially causing issues in other parts of your body such as the foot, knee, hip, or back. This compensatory behaviour not only exacerbates the condition but can also lead to new musculoskeletal problems, making early treatment and management crucial to prevent long-term complications and maintain overall mobility and health.

Take Control of Your Foot Health

Plantar fasciitis is a common but treatable condition. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies, you can take proactive steps to protect your feet. If you’re experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, don’t wait – seek professional help from a podiatrist. At East Gosford Podiatry, our experienced team is here to provide you with the care and treatment you need to get back on your feet.