Our El Paso Podiatrists Can Diagnose and Treat Heel Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis
Imagine this: You wake up, ready to start your day, but a sudden, sharp pain in your heel makes you wonder, “Could this be plantar fasciitis?” If this scenario sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Many El Paso residents struggle with heel pain and are often unsure if their symptoms point to plantar fasciitis or another issue. Let's walk through the signs and symptoms to empower you with the knowledge to understand when it's time to visit one of our El Paso podiatrists.
About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot to connect your heel bone to your toes. This tissue acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring and supports the arch of your foot. When too much tension and stress are placed on this bowstring, it can create small tears in the fascia. This can lead to inflammation and pain.
Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is more common in adults between 40 and 60 years old.
- Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue, such as dancing and running can contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis.
- Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch, or an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing and put added stress on the plantar fascia.
Signs of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain concentrated near the heel on the bottom of the foot. The pain usually develops gradually over time rather than suddenly.
The timing of your heel pain can be a crucial indicator of plantar fasciitis. People with this condition experience:
- Pain with the first steps in the morning
- Increased pain after exercise, but not during periods of physical activity
- Discomfort when climbing stairs
- Pain that worsens after prolonged periods of standing
How Plantar Fasciitis Differs From Other Foot Conditions
While heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis, it's not the only condition that can cause discomfort in this area. Here's how plantar fasciitis differs from other common foot issues:
- Heel spurs. While often present with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs themselves don't always cause pain. They are calcium deposits forming bony protrusions on the underside of the heel bone.
- Achilles tendinitis. Pain is typically at the back of the heel rather than underneath. It presents as an aching pain that worsens with activity and is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition often causes a tingling or burning sensation rather than a sharp pain. It affects the inside of the ankle, potentially extending to the foot, and is caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel.
- Metatarsalgia. This condition causes pain in the ball of the foot, which can be sharp, aching, or burning. It's often due to overuse, foot deformities, or poorly fitting shoes.
- Stress fractures. These can occur in various parts of the foot, including the heel. The pain is typically deep and achy, worsening with weight-bearing activities. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone due to repetitive force or overuse.
- Morton's neuroma. This condition usually affects the area between the third and fourth toes. It feels like you're standing on a pebble and may cause burning pain, numbness, or tingling. A Morton's neuroma is caused by thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes.
- Posterior tibial tendonitis. Pain occurs on the inside of the ankle and potentially along the arch. It presents as pain and swelling along the tendon, with difficulty walking or standing for long periods. This is caused by inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch.
Understanding these differences can help you better describe your symptoms to a podiatrist, leading to a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options:
- Physical therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
- Orthotics. Custom-fitted arch supports can help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.
- Night splints. These devices stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep, easing morning pain.
- Medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Advanced therapies. In some cases, treatments like Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) or shockwave therapy might be recommended.
How Our El Paso Podiatrists Can Help
When you make an appointment to visit an El Paso podiatrist at The Foot Institute, here’s what you can expect:
- Accurate diagnosis. Our podiatrists can perform a physical exam and use imaging tests to rule out other conditions that can contribute to foot and ankle pain.
- Severity assessment. An ultrasound can reveal the extent of inflammation in the plantar fascia, guiding treatment decisions.
- Personalized treatment. Our foot care professionals can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle.
- Prevention of complications. Early intervention can prevent the condition from becoming chronic or leading to other foot problems.