Heel pain

Causes

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one’s job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel.
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising.
• Pain that increases over a period of months.

Diagnosis

To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will rule out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.

In addition, diagnostic imaging studies such as x-rays or other imaging modalities may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain. 

Non-surgical Treatment

Treatment of plantar fasciitis begins with first-line strategies, which you can begin at home:

• Stretching exercises. 
• Avoid going barefoot. 
• Ice. 
• Limit activities. 
• Shoe modifications. 
• Medications. 

If you still have pain after several weeks, see your foot and ankle surgeon, who may add one or more of these treatment approaches:

• Padding and strapping. 
• Orthotic devices. 
• Injection therapy. 
• Removable walking cast. 
• Night splint. 
• Physical therapy. 

When is Surgery Needed?

To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will rule out all the possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.

In addition, diagnostic imaging studies such as x-rays or other imaging modalities may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain.