Plantar Fasciitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This part of your foot helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock. Tension and stress can cause small tears on the thick band of tissue. These small tears can grow larger with repeated stretching and tearing. The band of tissue can become swollen and painful.
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What increases my risk for plantar fasciitis?
- Being 40 to 60 years old or a woman
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- High impact exercises such as running
- Activities or sports that involve jumping, such as basketball
- A sudden increase in the intensity of an activity
- Flat feet, high arches, or feet that rotate inward when you walk or run
- Tight calf muscles and tendons
- Wearing shoes that do not support your feet, such as shoes that are worn out
- Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time
What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- Pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel
- Pain that is worse right after you get out of bed or after a long period of rest
- Pain after activity
- Stiffness in your foot
- Heel swelling
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your foot and ask about your activities. He or she may check the movement of your foot and ankle. You may need an x-ray to check for a fracture or heel spur (bone growth on your heel).
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
- Medicines may be given to decrease swelling and pain.
- Shoe inserts, splints, or tape help support your foot and decrease stress on your plantar fascia. A night splint may help stretch your plantar fascia while you sleep.
- Stretches and exercises can help decrease pain and swelling. They can also help strengthen the muscles that support your heel and foot.
- Surgery may be needed when other treatments do not work. During surgery, the plantar fascia is separated from your heel.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Wear your splint or shoe inserts as directed. You may need to wear a splint at night to keep your foot stretched while you sleep. This will help prevent sharp pain first thing in the morning. Shoe inserts will help decrease stress on your plantar fascia when you walk or exercise.
- Apply ice on your plantar fascia. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Fill a water bottle with water and freeze it. Wrap a towel around the bottle or cover it with a pillow case. Roll the water bottle under your foot for 10 minutes each morning and evening.
- Massage your plantar fascia as directed. This may help decrease swelling and pain. Roll a golf ball under your foot for 10 minutes. Repeat 3 times each day.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
How can I help prevent plantar fasciitis?
- Maintain a healthy weight. This will help decrease stress on your feet. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan, if needed.
- Do low-impact exercises. Low-impact exercises decrease stress on your plantar fascia. Examples include swimming or bicycling.
- Start new activities slowly. Increase the intensity and time gradually.
- Wear shoes that fit well and support your arch. Replace your shoes before the padding or shock absorption wears out. Do not walk or stand in bare feet or sandals for long periods of time.
When should I call my doctor?
- Your pain or swelling suddenly increases.
- You develop knee, hip, or back pain.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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