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Warning Signs of Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Kevin Moore, D.P.M. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions we see in our podiatry practice. It occurs when the plantar fascia ligament, the connective tissue on the soles of your feet, become inflamed and cause tightness and pain in your arch and heels.

Plantar Fasciitis: Image from HealthCentral.com Plantar fasciitis is most often seen in patients who are older or overweight, who walk with an inward twist or roll of the foot, who have high arches, who wear shoes with poor cushioning, and those who have a job that involves standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Athletes can also develop plantar fasciitis when jumping into a new running routine without the right conditioning, by running on steep hills or with inadequate running shoes. Plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful and it is best to treat it as early as possible before the condition worsens. These are the primary warning signs that it’s time to call your podiatrist:

Pain with the first steps you take in the morning, particularly in your heels
Pain when going from sitting to standing
Sharp, aching pain in the heel

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend getting checked out as early as possible. In the meantime, there are several stretches you can do to ease the pain (see here). You can also use a frozen water bottle to ice your arches for fifteen minutes at a time throughout the day as many times as possible. Depending on the severity, plantar fasciitis can be treated in a number of ways, including a stretching and icing routine, anti-inflammatory medication and injections. Most likely, your plantar fasciitis will not require surgery, but it is helpful in some cases. Your podiatrist may recommend changing certain habits, such as your footwear and activity level. Recovery can take anywhere from weeks to several months. If you are interested in learning more about plantar fasciitis, you may find this brief instructional video from Ortho Films helpful: If you would like to schedule an exam, my colleagues and I would be happy to help. Give us a call at 478.474.8001 or request an appointment 24/7 through our website. Dr. Kevin Moore is a podiatrist at Piedmont Orthopaedic Complex who and specializes in all aspects of conservative and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle.

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Warning Signs of Plantar Fasciitis

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