Plantar Fasciitis Specialists in Maharashtra
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain resulting from inflammation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along t…
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What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain resulting from inflammation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock during walking and running, and repetitive strain can lead to small tears and chronic irritation. The condition is characterized by classic sharp heel pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, gradually easing with continued movement. It is especially common among runners, people who stand for long periods, and those who are overweight.
Mild
Common — affects about 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives
No
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Results from repetitive strain and overuse of the plantar fascia, leading to small tears and chronic inflammation of the tissue. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing or high-impact activities like running, flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles, and improper or worn-out footwear.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp stabbing heel pain, pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning, pain that improves with activity but worsens after prolonged standing, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, mild swelling around the heel, stiffness in the foot arch
Treatment & Types of Plantar Fasciitis in Maharashtra
Initial treatment involves rest, stretching exercises for the calf and plantar fascia, and supportive footwear or orthotic inserts to reduce strain on the tissue. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy help manage pain and improve flexibility, with corticosteroid injections or other procedures reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment over several months.
Plantar fasciitis is generally described by duration and cause as acute, related to a recent increase in activity or a new pair of shoes, or chronic, persisting for months due to ongoing biomechanical factors like flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles. It is distinguished clinically from a related finding, a heel spur, a bony growth that can accompany but does not itself cause the pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a heel spur the same thing as plantar fasciitis?
No, a heel spur is a bony growth that can be found on imaging in some people with plantar fasciitis, but it is not itself the cause of the pain, and many people with heel spurs have no pain at all.
Why does my heel hurt most with the first steps in the morning?
Overnight, the plantar fascia tightens while at rest, so the first steps after waking stretch it suddenly, causing the classic sharp pain that then eases somewhat as the tissue warms up with continued movement.
Can plantar fasciitis go away without treatment?
Many cases improve over several months with conservative measures like stretching, supportive footwear, and rest, though some persistent cases benefit from physical therapy or, rarely, corticosteroid injections.
Do I need to stop running completely if I have plantar fasciitis?
Not always, but reducing high-impact activity temporarily while doing targeted stretching and using supportive footwear or orthotics helps the tissue heal, with gradual return to running as symptoms improve.
What can I do to prevent plantar fasciitis from coming back?
Maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive well-cushioned footwear, regularly stretching the calf and foot muscles, and replacing worn-out athletic shoes are the most effective ways to reduce recurrence risk.