Published on April 15, 2019 Show
Ever experience shooting pain in your heels when getting out of bed in the morning? Or unbearable heel pain after sitting for long periods of time? If you’re nodding your head “yes,” you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis. But be encouraged; your pain can be relieved with noninvasive treatment. Let’s explore this condition and your options for relief. What Is the Plantar Fascia?Your plantar fascia is located on the bottom of your feet and consists of a thick band of tissue that connects from the heel bone into your toes. When you’re active, this fascia plays the vital role of a hard-working support system in your foot. The band essentially acts as a bow to help absorb shock and provide support to both of your feet throughout dynamic movement. Pretty awesome, right? How Plantar Fasciitis HappensWhen this fascia gets overused or inflamed, it can turn into one of the most common causes of heel pain. Because of its supportive role through movement, plantar fasciitis is incredibly common amongst runners, although other physically active adults may also develop plantar fasciitis, with risks increasing for those over 40. So what causes plantar fasciitis? When that band of fascia becomes overworked and has excessive tension and stress placed upon it repeatedly, small tears can start to form. These tears are the irritation that leads to plantar fasciitis and the feeling of stabbing heel pain. Though the pain usually subsides a bit with some “warming up” of the foot, it generally returns post-activity, after prolonged periods of sitting, and first thing in the morning. Runners and athletes are not the only populations who are affected by plantar fasciitis though. Some people who are genetically a bit more “flat-footed” as well as those who have a higher arch than normal have experienced this same stabbing heel pain. This is a result of foot mechanics needing to work a bit harder to distribute weight evenly. Plantar fasciitis can also develop in those engaging in repeated jumping routines through dance or exercise, have jobs that keep them on their feet throughout the day, or those who struggle with obesity. How To Relieve Plantar Fasciitis PainIf you’re managing plantar fasciitis pain, the good news is that most cases are completely treatable through conservative care over the course of a couple of months. One of the first steps is to try resting the affected foot or feet a bit more than usual. This may mean dialing back your exercise routine or switching to some non-weight-bearing activities to give the fascia along the bottom of your foot a chance to rest. If your work keeps you on your feet, pay attention to opportunities where you can incorporate some sitting as a part of your routine. Many have also experienced relief by applying ice to the affected area. Light stretching of the plantar fascia can also be beneficial, though you should be careful of excessive stretching of the area, as this can contribute to more tearing along the fascia. Even if your goal is to keep your feet in tip-top shape, be careful not to overdo it with too many aggressive foot stretching exercises. Additionally, some experience relief by sleeping in a foot splint or by incorporating orthotics into their footwear rotation. Chiropractic Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis PainBelieve it or not, chiropractic treatment is another non-invasive method to use while addressing plantar fasciitis pain. Because of the inflammatory nature of plantar fasciitis, chiropractic adjustments of the spine can help the body realign to minimize inflammation while you’re healing. Additional adjustments of the extremities, including the feet, can also help decrease inflammation and keep your healing timeline on track. Your chiropractor can also help prescribe the best at-home exercises to quicken your recovery time outside of the office. With regular chiropractic care, you’ll keep your body’s response system in tip-top shape and minimize inflammation. During the initial evaluation, we will go over your symptom history in detail and construct a treatment plan that you are completely comfortable with before moving forward. Don’t put off your healing; schedule an appointment online or call (949) 397-6699. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional. There are lots of causes of heel pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve. If you see a GP, they'll usually suggest you try these things: rest and raise your heel when you can put an ice pack (or bag of
frozen peas) in a towel on your heel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes wrap a bandage around your heel and ankle to support it try regular gentle stretching exercises take
paracetamol Don’t
A pharmacist can help with heel painYou can ask a pharmacist about:
Find a pharmacy Video: exercises to reduce heel painThis video demonstrates exercises that can help reduce heel pain. Media last reviewed: 1 April 2022 The exercises in this video are suitable for most people. They are general exercises only and are not aimed at treating any specific cause of pain or condition. Get advice from a GP or health professional before trying it, especially if:
Stop the exercise immediately and get medical help if you feel any pain or feel unwell. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Severe pain:
Moderate pain:
Mild pain:
Immediate action required: Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if you:
These might be signs of a broken heel bone or broken ankle. Find an urgent treatment centre Severe pain:
Moderate pain:
Mild pain:
Common causes of heel painHeel pain is often caused by exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight. Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what's causing your heel pain. Possible causes of heel pain.
Information: Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks. What does throbbing heel pain mean?The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis (bottom of the heel) and Achilles tendinitis (back of the heel). Causes of heel pain also include: Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendon rupture. Bone tumor.
How do you treat stabbing heel pain?Treatments for this condition are typically conservative and involve stretching the feet, wearing orthotics, and rest. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
When should I be concerned about heel pain?Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
heel pain is severe or stopping you doing normal activities. the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks. you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot.
Does plantar fasciitis make your heel throb?Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing or throbbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel and in the inner side of your foot. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps in the morning, it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or rising from sitting.
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