Heel Pain in the Morning?

Pain in your heel or your arch first thing in the morning could be caused by a condition called plantar fascitis. Plantar fascitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia – a strip of fibrous tissue running from the inside of your heel to the base of your toes and supporting the arch in your foot. The inflammation is often cause by poor lower extremity alignment such as high arches or pronated (rolled in) ankles.   An unaccustomed stress on the foot such as a longer than normal run or walk, or in some cases standing, can aggravate the plantar fascia.  For some people, activity in unsupportive shoes or in bare feet where the plantar fascia fails to support the arch can be the precipitating factor.

Symptoms of plantar fascitis include sharp pain in your heel or along the arch of your foot.  It commonly affects one side only, but occasionally affects both feet. 

Treatment should start as soon as possible and should include an assessment of the ankle mechanics during walking and running.  Methods to correct poor alignment include custom orthotics, arch taping and proper footwear to support the arch of your foot. Other treatment options include modalities such as acupuncture, ultrasound and laser, which have been shown to help decrease inflammation.  Stretching the tight fascia is imperative and can be done with exercises, or by rolling the foot over a bottle of frozen water or an “Acuball”.  Increasing the flexibility of the calf muscles and strengthening the muscles that support the arch of your foot should be included. The “Strassburg Sock” is extremely effective in maintaining a lengthened position of the plantar fascia while you sleep, helping eliminate the common early morning pain.

Don’t let foot pain keep you off of your feet!  With proper treatment, pain can be eliminated and recurrence of the plantar fascitis can be prevented.