If your first steps in the morning bring a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, plantar fasciitis is the most likely cause. It’s the single most common reason people see a podiatrist for heel pain. At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, it’s one of the conditions we treat most successfully.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes and supporting your arch. When it’s overloaded or strained, tiny tears and inflammation develop where it attaches to the heel producing the hallmark heel pain of plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
The classic symptom is sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or after sitting, which often eases as you move and then returns after long periods of standing or activity. Pain is usually felt at the bottom of the heel and may extend into the arch.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Common contributors include tight calf muscles, high arches or flat feet, sudden increases in activity, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, unsupportive footwear, and added body weight. Runners and people who work on their feet are especially prone to it.
How we treat plantar fasciitis
Most cases respond well to conservative care: targeted stretching, custom orthotics to support the arch, night splints, ice, and anti-inflammatory measures. For stubborn cases we offer advanced options including cortisone injections, MLS Robotic Laser Therapy to reduce pain and speed healing, and regenerative therapy. Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for cases that don’t respond to months of conservative treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
With consistent treatment, most patients improve within a few weeks to a few months. Early care shortens recovery; the longer it’s left untreated, the more stubborn it can become.
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle with rest and better footwear, but persistent heel pain usually needs guided treatment to fully resolve and to prevent it from becoming chronic.
What is the fastest way to relieve plantar fasciitis?
A combination of arch support (often custom orthotics), calf and fascia stretching, and inflammation control works best. For quick relief of severe pain, in-office options like injections or MLS laser therapy can help.
Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the things you love. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle has board-certified podiatrists in Murray, Draper, and Tooele serving patients across the Salt Lake City area. Call 801-261-1391 or request an appointment online. We get you in quickly, and appointments are always available.
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