What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can become a long-term condition if left untreated. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes—develops tiny tears and degenerative changes due to repeated strain.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including repetitive stress on the feet, wearing unsupportive footwear, being overweight, having type 2 diabetes, or having high arches or flat feet.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or along the arch of the foot
Pain that is most noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or rest
Stiffness or tenderness in the arch of the foot

In some cases, plantar fasciitis improves without treatment. However, recovery can be slow, often taking a year or longer, and for some individuals, symptoms may persist without appropriate care.

plantar fasciitis treatment

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of plantar fasciitis is directly related to repeated stress and excessive strain on the plantar fascia. This can be caused by activities such as running, walking and jumping, as well as standing for long periods, especially on hard surfaces. A sudden increase in physical activity or exercise intensity can also trigger the condition. It is typically the result of a combination of factors and activity rather than a single event.

Risk factors include:

Age.

It is most common in adults between 40-60 years of age but can happen to athletes of all ages.

Foot structure.
Those with high arches, flat feet or abnormal walking patterns are at risk.
Being overweight.
This puts increased pressure on the plantar fascia.
Occupation.
Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking can put you at risk.
Sports and exercise.
Runners, dancers and hikers and those who participate in high-impact activities.
Improper footwear.
Shoes that lack adequate arch support or cushioning.
Prior foot injury.
A history of foot injuries may increase risk.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is more commonly diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Diagnostic imaging is only used if the diagnosis is unclear or if another condition is suspected. Your healthcare provider will typically ask about the location of the pain, when it started, when symptoms are the worst and your activities that may have caused it. They may press on the bottom of your heel, pull your toes upward and assess the flexibility of your calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Treatment Options

Many providers will initially recommend “conservative” or at-home treatments such as icing the heal, resting the foot, taping the heel and stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles. They may also prescribe arch supports, heel pads or custom orthotics to manage the pain and promote healing. In rare cases, surgery to “release” the fascia is recommended. A new and minimally invasive procedure called plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE) is available from the doctors at IMIIT. 

How Can We Help You?

We understand how the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis can impact your life and daily activities. Our team of experts is here to offer personalized care and support throughout your treatment journey. We specialize in state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments tailored to meet your individual needs.

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Find a Location Near You

Looking for minimally invasive plantar fasciitis treatments close to home? IMIIT provides non-surgical care for plantar fasciitis at our offices in Rancho Cucamonga, Downey, and Oak Park. We welcome patients from across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, Chicago, Oak Park, Naperville, and beyond. Whether you’re nearby or traveling for care, our team is here to make the process easy and ensure you get the personalized treatment you deserve.