After prolonged periods of standing or sudden increases in walking or running volume, you may feel a stiffness in the bottom of your feet. If left untreated, this sensation may change from a dull ache to a sharp pain. A frequent source of this stiffness or pain is plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue on the soles of the feet.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a dull ache at the bottom of the heel through the arch of the foot. The pain is most severe in the morning or after a long period of rest, and gradually lessens throughout the day. The pain usually occurs in just one foot.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by your physician, who will typically test for points of tenderness on the bottom of your foot. Your doctor may also order an X-ray or MRI to rule out other causes for the pain such as a pinched nerve, a bone spur or a stress fracture.
Causes
The plantar fascia is a broad band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. If tension on the fascia becomes too great, swelling or small tears will appear. Common reasons for the increased tension can be a sudden increase in weight, repetitive overuse from running, walking or dancing, and improper footwear.
Treatment
Your physician may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation and pain. Another option is the application of a corticosteroid solution over the skin of the foot, delivered with the help of a low intensity electric current. The corticosteroid can also be delivered via injection to the afflicted area. Note that these methods will only treat the symptoms, not the underlying cause.
Effectively treating stiffness in the feet will often include exercises to stretch the plantar fascia as well as surrounding connective tissues such as the Achille's tendon.Other options include the use of night splints, which stretch the feet while you're sleeping, or orthotics for your shoes to more evenly distribute pressure on feet when you're walking.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs
- "American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care;" American Medical Association
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