Plantar Fasciitis Versus Other Foot Conditions
Heel pain is a complaint that some adults face daily, but pinpointing the exact cause may require professional insight. While plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, symptoms can mimic other issues, making self-diagnosis difficult. A foot and ankle specialist can help diagnose the correct condition. Here is more information about the condition and how it differs from other foot conditions:
Defining Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves an injury to the plantar fascia ligament, which spans the bottom of the foot. Inflammation in this ligament causes sharp, intermittent heel pain. This condition is the leading cause of heel pain for adults, and it usually does not affect both feet simultaneously.
Pain typically intensifies when you first wake up, or it flares after you rest for long periods. Many factors contribute to this injury, such as faulty foot structures like flat feet or high arches; these conditions place undue stress on the fascia. You might also develop this issue if you wear unsupportive shoes on hard surfaces, which limits natural shock absorption.
Diagnosing Other Conditions
Because feet have complex structures, several other ailments present symptoms that resemble plantar fasciitis symptoms. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel, but the pain usually centers on the back of the heel rather than the bottom. This overuse injury is common in athletes.
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that occur over time due to repetitive force. Unlike the ligament pain of plantar fasciitis, a stress fracture in the heel bone or metatarsals might cause bruising and redness. Symptoms often include aching that intensifies during weight-bearing activities, and relief comes when you are at rest.
About half of the people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, which are bony hook-like protrusions visible on X-rays. These spurs form as a response to inflammation, but they rarely cause pain by themselves. There is no cure for heel spurs. The condition can be managed with shoe inserts and anti-inflammatories.
Treating Heel Pain
Effective treatment addresses the root inflammation, and many patients find relief through conservative methods. Your doctor might recommend simple interventions like stretching exercises or wearing more supportive shoes. Since faulty foot structure causes stress on the foot, wearing supportive shoes or using orthotics helps alleviate tension on the ligament.
Podiatrists utilize custom medical devices to address specific mechanical issues unique to your body. Custom orthotics may be an option that can help relieve pain and correct gait issues. A provider may recommend a night splint, and this device helps keep the Achilles tendon stretched overnight.
Seeking Professional Help
Schedule an appointment if your heel pain disrupts your daily life or fails to improve after home care. Early treatment offers the best chance of recovery, and delaying care can lead to worsening symptoms. A foot and ankle specialist can examine your feet and discuss your symptoms to diagnose plantar fasciitis.
Learn More About Diagnosis
Heel pain stems from various causes, ranging from ligament inflammation to stress fractures. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery, and a podiatrist can rule out other serious foot conditions that may be confused with plantar fasciitis. If you want to learn more about heel pain management and treatment, consult a foot and ankle specialist near you.
