[written by Loan Cao]
Foot pain is a common complaint, and one of the most frequently mentioned culprits is plantar fasciitis. But here’s the catch: not all foot pain is plantar fasciitis. It’s a condition that is often over diagnosed and, unfortunately, misdiagnosed, leading many people down frustrating paths of ineffective treatment. It is essential to recognize that plantar fasciitis pain can stem from various sources, and not all foot pain is plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse condition affecting the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of connective tissue running from your heel to your toes. Its primary job is to support the arch of your foot and absorb shock during walking. When this tissue becomes irritated or develops microscopic tears, it leads to inflammation and pain. One of the tell tale signs is a sharp, stabbing, or throbbing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning. Why? Because the plantar fascia contracts overnight while you’re off your feet, and those first steps in the morning stretch it suddenly, often triggering intense pain.
You may also notice:
- Tenderness in the arch or heel
- Pain after activities or long walks (not typically during)
- Aching or burning pain with prolonged standing
- Discomfort that eases after a few minutes of walking, then worsens again later in the day
What Can You Do?
In the acute stage, when inflammation is active, focus on reducing stress on the plantar fascia. This includes:
- Icing: Try rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle to calm inflammation.
- Taping: Provides better mechanical support and arch stabilization.
- Proper footwear and orthotics: Prioritize shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
Once the pain subsides, the focus shifts to rehab and prevention:
- Stretching the calves and plantar fascia
- Improving ankle dorsiflexion
- Strengthening the plantar flexors and even muscles up the chain (hips and glutes)
- Gradually reloading the plantar fascia with controlled activity to improve tissue tolerance
- Activity modifications to reduce irritants and allow healing
On another note, pain in the foot can be something else. Other conditions that can mimic plantar fasciitis include:
- Fat pad ablation
- Radicular pain from S1
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Generalized nerve pain or even stress fractures
This is why accurate assessment is so important. If you’ve been treating your foot pain as plantar fasciitis but haven’t seen improvement, it’s time to dig deeper.
At Tandem Physical Therapy, we specialize in sorting through the details. We’ll help you determine whether you’re truly dealing with plantar fasciitis or if another diagnosis fits better. If you’re unsure, let’s figure it out together. Call today to book your appointment at 504-407-3477. Our goal is to get you back on your feet, pain free!
Want to learn more?
★ We are always striving to educate others through our social media, whether that be video demonstrations, learning terminology, or discussing how Pilates and physical therapy can work in tandem with one another.
Follow our social media for more on Plantar Fasciitis.
We even have a Youtube video on this exact topic: What is Plantar Fasciitis?
★ In June, we are hosting a Plantar Fasciitis Workshop on the 21st, for 10am. Call us at (504)-407-3477, or sign up through our website at https://tandempt.com/workshops/
