Key Takeaways
- Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning is the classic sign of plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain.
- Plantar fasciitis happens when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot gets irritated and inflamed.
- Most people get better with simple care like stretching, supportive shoes, arch supports and night splints.
- Heel pain that lasts more than a few weeks, or makes you change how you walk, should be checked by a foot specialist.
- Prima CARE's podiatry team in Fall River, just minutes from Somerset and Swansea, diagnoses and treats heel pain so you can walk comfortably again. Request an appointment to get started.
Request an Appointment With Prima CARE
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects your heel bone to your toes and helps support your arch.
Plantar fasciitis is when this tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. According to Mayo Clinic's guide to plantar fasciitis symptoms and causes, it is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Why Plantar Fasciitis Hurts Most in the Morning
Mayo Clinic explains that plantar fasciitis pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after you wake up. It can also flare up after standing for a long time or when you get up after sitting.
While you rest, the plantar fascia tightens. When you stand up and put weight on your foot, the tight tissue gets stretched suddenly, which causes that sharp, stabbing pain. Once your foot warms up, the pain often eases.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Plantar Fasciitis?
Mayo Clinic notes that plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Other risk factors include:
- Extra body weight, which puts more stress on the plantar fascia
- Jobs that keep you on your feet for long hours, such as nursing, teaching or retail
- Running and other activities that put repeated stress on the heel
- Flat feet, high arches or an unusual walking pattern
- Worn-out shoes with little arch support
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Other Causes of Heel Pain
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist, or foot and ankle doctor, can tell the difference with an exam and, if needed, imaging.
| Condition | Where It Hurts | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Bottom of the heel | Worst with first steps in the morning or after rest |
| Achilles tendinitis | Back of the heel and lower calf | Worse with activity, stiff in the morning |
| Heel stress fracture | Deep in the heel bone | Pain that gets worse the longer you walk or stand |
| Nerve irritation | Inner heel or arch | Burning, tingling or numbness |
If your provider needs a closer look, Prima CARE offers X-rays and other imaging through its diagnostic radiology and lab services.
At-Home Care for Plantar Fasciitis
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is highly treatable. In Mayo Clinic's Q&A on heel pain and plantar fasciitis, a Mayo Clinic expert explains that good arch support is essential and that night splints can ease pain with those first morning steps.
Try these steps at home:
- Stretch before you stand. Gently stretch your calf and the bottom of your foot before getting out of bed.
- Wear supportive shoes. Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid going barefoot on hard floors.
- Ice the heel. Roll your foot over a frozen water bottle for a few minutes at a time.
- Rest from high-impact activity. Swap running for swimming or biking while your foot heals.
- Try a night splint. A night splint keeps the plantar fascia gently stretched while you sleep.
When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain
Mayo Clinic warns that ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain that makes everyday activities harder. See a foot specialist if:
- Heel pain lasts more than a few weeks despite home care
- You are limping or changing how you walk
- You have swelling, redness, numbness or tingling
- You have diabetes and any new foot pain
How Prima CARE Treats Plantar Fasciitis
The Prima CARE podiatry team starts with a full foot exam and a look at your shoes, activity and walking pattern. Your treatment plan may include:
- Custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts made to fit your feet
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Night splints
- Referral to Prima CARE physical therapy
- Other treatments for pain that does not improve
Walk Pain-Free Again With Prima CARE Podiatry Near Somerset and Swansea
Morning heel pain is common, but it does not have to be permanent. With the right care, most people with plantar fasciitis get back on their feet comfortably.
Schedule a foot and ankle evaluation with Prima CARE Podiatry at 289 Pleasant Street in Fall River and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the Prima CARE Podiatry phone number on the locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heel hurt when I first get out of bed?
Morning heel pain is the most common sign of plantar fasciitis. The tissue on the bottom of your foot tightens overnight and gets stretched suddenly when you stand.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Healing time varies. Many people improve within a few months with stretching, supportive shoes and other simple treatments. A podiatrist can help speed up recovery.
Where can I find a podiatrist near me in Somerset or Swansea, MA?
Prima CARE Podiatry is located at 289 Pleasant Street, Suite 202, in Fall River, a short drive from Somerset and Swansea.
Do I need an X-ray for heel pain?
Not always. Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed with a history and physical exam. Your provider may order an X-ray or other imaging to rule out a fracture or other problem.
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Some mild cases improve with rest and home care. Pain that lasts or keeps coming back should be checked so it does not become a long-term problem.
