Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes, becomes irritated or damaged. This tissue acts like a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot, but when it's overloaded, it can develop small tears and inflammation that lead to pain.

The classic sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel, especially with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain often eases as you move around, but it can return after long periods of standing, walking, or activity. Some people feel it more after exercise than during. The pain may also show up along the arch of the foot or radiate toward the toes.

What makes plantar fasciitis particularly frustrating is how it can interfere with basic movement. Walking, standing at work, or even getting out of bed can become painful, and it doesn't always respond quickly to rest alone.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia is put under more stress than it can handle. Common contributing factors include:

• Sudden increases in activity, like starting a new running program or spending more time on your feet

• High-impact activities like running, jumping, or long-distance walking

• Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal foot mechanics that put extra strain on the fascia

• Tight calves or Achilles tendons that alter how the foot moves

• Weak foot and ankle muscles that fail to support the arch properly

• Standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended periods

• Wearing unsupportive footwear or shoes that are worn out

• Extra body weight that increases load on the feet

• Age-related changes that reduce the elasticity of the fascia

Often, plantar fasciitis doesn't have a single clear cause. It's usually a combination of factors that overload the tissue over time.

When Plantar Fasciitis Becomes Chronic
Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with the right treatment approach, but it can become a long-term issue if not addressed properly. Chronic plantar fasciitis can linger for months or longer, especially if you continue activities that aggravate it or fail to address the underlying biomechanical issues. The longer the pain persists, the more it can change how you walk and move, which can lead to problems in your ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.

When to Seek Help
If heel pain is making it hard to walk, exercise, or get through your day without discomfort, it's worth getting assessed. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming a long-term problem and help you get back to normal activity faster.

Living With Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is treatable. Addressing the factors that contribute to it, strengthening the foot and lower leg, and improving mechanics can help you resolve the pain and prevent it from coming back. At Kevlar Performance & Rehab in Burlington, we work with people dealing with plantar fasciitis to help them move better and feel better.