If you experience pain when you take your first few steps after waking up, you may have plantar fasciitis. Kris Ford, DPM, and Jonathan Lorenzana, DPM, at South Alamo Foot & Ankle at San Antonio, Texas, treat plantar fasciitis and eliminate the pain shooting through the bottom of your foot. To learn more about your foot pain, call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.

Plantar Fasciitis Q&A

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia absorbs shock when you walk and helps support the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis involves tearing and inflammation of this band of tissue, which connects your heel bone to your toes on the bottom of your foot.

It develops when there is too much stress and tension on the plantar fascia. 

People who run are at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to the added stress they put on their feet. You are also at a higher risk if you’re overweight or wear unsupportive shoes.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is painful. You experience a sharp pain along the bottom of your foot, close to your heel, and it gets worse after long periods of inactivity. Many people experience severe, stabbing pain when taking the first few steps after waking up. Plantar fasciitis pain tends to decrease as you move around throughout the day.

How do I treat plantar fasciitis?

You can treat plantar fasciitis at home with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, which help relieve inflammation. If OTC medications don’t tame your pain, call South Alamo Foot & Ankle for other treatment options, including: 

Physical therapy

Physical therapists can teach you exercises that stretch your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to relieve symptoms. They can also show you how to relieve pain with athletic tape support on the bottom of your feet.

Custom-fit orthotics

Custom-fit orthotics are a common method of treating plantar fasciitis. For example, arch support orthotics distribute pressure over your feet more evenly.

Night splints

Wearing splints while you sleep helps stretch the arch of your foot and your calf. Night splints keep the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position, which helps relieve plantar fasciitis pain.

If you’ve tried all of the noninvasive options and still experience plantar fasciitis pain, South Alamo Foot & Ankle may recommend shockwave therapy, steroid injections, or surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Call South Alamo Foot & Ankle or schedule an appointment online today to get relief for plantar fasciitis pain.