Wincing While You Walk? It Could Be Plantar Fasciitis

If you find yourself wincing with every step, especially those first few strides in the morning, you might be dealing with more than just tired feet. 

Our team at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates, led by board-certified podiatrist Pritesh Patel, DPM, understands that one of the most common culprits of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects millions of people each year.

Here’s what you should know.

Plantar fasciitis explained

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot and connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. 

This band acts like a shock absorber and helps support the arch of your foot. When it’s overworked or strained, small tears can develop, leading to pain and stiffness.

Signs and symptoms

The most recognizable symptom is sharp heel pain, often described as a stabbing sensation. You may notice it most:

• When taking your first steps after waking up
• When standing after sitting for a long time
• When walking or standing for extended periods
• After exercise, rather than during it

Pain may ease as you move around, but it can return later in the day, especially after prolonged activity.

Common causes and risk factors

Plantar fasciitis isn’t limited to athletes. While runners and those with active lifestyles are at higher risk, anyone can develop it. 

Common contributing factors include:

• Flat feet or high arches
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Wearing unsupportive shoes
• Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Excess weight, which adds pressure to the plantar fascia

When you understand the risk factors, you can take steps to prevent plantar fasciitis or recognize it early before the pain becomes more severe.

Treatment options

Our Florida Foot and Ankle Associates team offers treatment options for plantar fasciitis to help you improve with simple at-home strategies. 

Common treatments include:

• Rest by reducing activities that aggravate the pain
• Applying cold packs to decrease inflammation
• Gentle stretching exercises for your calves and plantar fascia
• Wearing supportive footwear with cushioning and arch support, or orthotic inserts
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to ease discomfort

For stubborn cases, Dr. Patel may recommend physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or advanced regenerative treatments. In rare cases that don’t respond to these treatments, Dr. Patel may recommend surgery.

Don’t ignore the pain

Heel pain might seem minor, but ignoring it can lead to chronic discomfort or changes in the way you walk, which can strain your knees, hips, and back. If you’ve had persistent pain for more than a few weeks, seek Dr. Patel’s professional evaluation.

The next steps

If you wince when you walk, listen to your body. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, but with the right care and treatment, you can get back on your feet without the discomfort.

Book an appointment at our office in Boca Raton, Florida, at 561-202-1103 or click here to book online today.