What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a 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 with every step.
When the plantar fascia is overstretched or overused, small tears can develop, leading to inflammation and the characteristic stabbing heel pain that’s worse first thing in the morning or after periods of rest.
Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- Overuse — running, walking, or standing for long periods can overload the plantar fascia.
- Tight calf muscles — limited ankle flexibility increases strain on the plantar fascia.
- Unsupportive footwear — shoes without adequate arch support contribute significantly.
- Being overweight — added body weight increases stress on the plantar fascia with every step.
- Flat feet or high arches — both foot types can change how weight is distributed across the fascia.
- Sudden increase in activity — a rapid jump in exercise intensity or duration is a common trigger.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel
- Pain that’s worst with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that improves with movement but returns after rest
- Pain that worsens after, not necessarily during, exercise
- Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
- Mild swelling in the heel area
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with conservative care, though it can take several weeks to months. Certain symptoms call for prompt evaluation.
Seek care promptly if:
- Heel pain following a specific injury
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the foot
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
- Pain that hasn’t improved after several weeks of home care
- Difficulty bearing weight on the foot
If any of these apply to you, call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Kyro Care
Every case starts with a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of heel pain. Once we understand your specific case, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustment
Addresses alignment issues in the foot and ankle that can contribute to ongoing strain on the plantar fascia.
Soft-tissue therapy
Reduces tension in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles.
Stretching and strengthening
Targeted exercises for the calf and foot to reduce strain on the fascia.
Footwear guidance
Practical recommendations for supportive footwear to reduce ongoing irritation.
We focus on conservative, non-surgical care first. call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does plantar fasciitis hurt more in the morning? +
During rest, the plantar fascia tightens. Your first steps stretch it out again, which causes that classic first-step stabbing pain. As you continue moving, the fascia loosens and pain often eases somewhat.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal? +
It varies, but many cases improve significantly within six to twelve weeks with consistent conservative care. Some cases, particularly longstanding ones, can take longer.
Should I stop exercising if I have plantar fasciitis? +
High-impact activities like running often need to be reduced or modified, but low-impact activity is usually fine and can even support recovery. We can help guide what’s appropriate for you.
Do I need custom orthotics? +
Not always. Many people improve with supportive footwear and targeted stretching alone. Custom orthotics can help in certain cases, and we can discuss whether that’s appropriate for you.
Are heel spurs the same as plantar fasciitis? +
No, though they’re often related. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop from long-term strain on the plantar fascia, but many people with heel spurs have no pain at all, and many with plantar fasciitis have no spur.
Can plantar fasciitis come back after it heals? +
Yes, especially if the underlying contributing factors, like tight calves or unsupportive footwear, aren’t addressed. That’s why we focus on prevention as part of your care plan.
