5 Signs Your Heel Pain May Be Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is uncomfortable, no matter the cause. It disrupts your life and keeps you from doing the things you love. One of the common culprits behind heel pain is plantar fasciitis, but how do you know if that's the source?

If you're tired of dealing with heel pain and need expert help, Dr. Babak Kosari is an experienced foot and ankle surgeon who can help. Dr. Kosari offers a quick diagnosis and specialized treatment to help you overcome plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis 101

The plantar fascia is an extremely tough ligament crucial in supporting the arch of your foot. It stretches from your heel bone to the front of your foot.

The plantar fascia is exceptionally pliable. However, it sometimes gets stretched too far and becomes injured. Symptoms include inflammation and swelling. 

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition and one of the most common causes of heel pain. If you've experienced an injury to your foot or overuse your plantar fascia, you can end up with this condition.

If you have a job that requires being on your feet most of the day, you're at risk for plantar fasciitis. You're also at risk if you play sports, wear unsupportive shoes, or exercise on hard surfaces regularly.

Here are five signs you might have plantar fasciitis.

Five hallmark signs of plantar fasciitis

Heel pain is only one of the signs of plantar fasciitis. Five other common signs associated with plantar fasciitis include:

1. Pain after physical activity

With plantar fasciitis, you may get relief from your pain during physical activity or exercise. However, as soon as you stop, the pain returns.

2. Heel swelling

Your body's reaction to pain or injury is inflammation around the site. If you have plantar fasciitis, it's not uncommon to have swelling around your heel where your plantar fascia attaches.

3. Stiffness around your heel

The inflammation and pain from plantar fasciitis cause stiffness around your heel. You may notice more stiffness immediately when you get out of bed or after sitting for some time.

4. Pain in the arch of your foot

Your plantar fascia stretches from the back of your foot at your heel to your toes. It's a strong band of tissue but can become inflamed with overuse. Plantar fasciitis often leads to pain in the arch of your foot, directly in the middle of the plantar fascia.

5. Pain after periods of rest

If you have plantar fasciitis, your pain is typically worse after you get up in the morning. It's also usually bad when you get up after sitting or lying down.

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis

When you have persistent heel pain, even with rest and other home care measures, it's time to seek treatment from Dr. Kosari. He helps you decipher your symptoms and provides customized care for the discomfort in your foot.

At your initial appointment, Dr. Kosari thoroughly evaluates your symptoms and performs a detailed exam of your feet to come to a diagnosis.

Dr. Kosari may press on your foot during the physical exam to determine if you have any tender areas around your heel. He'll also ask you when you have pain and if anything makes your pain worse.

That information is usually enough for Dr. Kosari to diagnose plantar fasciitis. He may order additional testing if your symptoms signal another issue.

If you have plantar fasciitis, he offers customized treatments, like pain medications, orthotics, and physical therapy, to ease your pain.

Don't continue suffering from heel pain without expert treatment. Contact Dr. Kosari today by calling 818-831-1000 to book a consultation. You can also send the team a message on our website.