Heel Pain in the Morning with Dr. Dresher

Do you have chronic heel pain in the morning? This may be due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to your toes. This painful condition can inhibit your daily life and activities. Thankfully, plantar fasciitis treatment can usually be accomplished at home.

What is causing my heel pain in the morning?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when small tears accrue in the tissue band from any of the following issues:

• Wearing shoes that are too hard
• Bad habits when running
• Flat feet
• High arch without proper support in shoes
• Being overweight
• Standing for long periods

While some cases of plantar fasciitis are due to genetics, many can be prevented or treated with good home care.

How can I prevent heel pain in the morning from plantar fasciitis?

There are many things you can do to prevent pain from plantar fasciitis including:

• Wear shoes with good support
• Replace tennis shoes often
• Avoid walking on hard surfaces barefoot
• Keep a healthy weight
• Low-impact exercises like swimming or walking
• Avoid high-impact exercise such as running
• Stretch your legs and feet

Whether you lead an active lifestyle or spend much of your time at home, these things can help prevent plantar fasciitis from developing.

How can I get treatment for plantar fasciitis?

If you know your heel pain in the morning is caused by plantar fasciitis, there are non-invasive ways to treat it. These include:

• Rest
• Ice the bottom of the foot
• Stretching
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Night braces

We always suggest you start with home care and other minimally invasive plantar fasciitis treatments before seeking the help of a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If the pain persists after several months you should schedule a visit with Dr. Dresher, our trained foot and ankle specialist. You may have underlying issues such as a bone spur rubbing on the tissue or a stress fracture. At that time Dr. Dresher may request an x-ray or an MRI to better understand what is causing your heel pain in the morning. Surgery should be the last resort for plantar fasciitis treatment unless there is a secondary condition like a bone spur. The specialists at the foot and ankle clinic at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group can assess your condition and make a plantar fasciitis treatment plan that will work for you.