5 Early Signs of Plantar Fasciitis

Life tends to be pretty busy. If you feel a twinge of pain but it goes away, it’s easy to dismiss it. If you feel that pain in the bottom of your heel, though, you shouldn’t ignore the sensation. It’s probably a sign of inflammation in your foot.

With most inflammation-based podiatric problems, the issue gets easier to reverse the sooner you intervene. So, if you have a stabbing sensation in your heel or other warning signs of plantar fasciitis, don’t ignore them. 

If they persist, come visit Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM. They specialize in treating heel pain here at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois. 

Top signs you have plantar fasciitis developing

Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot gets inflamed. Leading early symptoms of this condition include:

#1: A stabbing heel pain

Many foot problems feel like a dull ache, but plantar fasciitis is different. You might feel a sharp stabbing sensation in the bottom of your heel. 

#2: Pain first thing in the morning

For most people, plantar fasciitis becomes particularly noticeable when their feet first hit the floor in the morning. If you’re feeling heel pain just as you’re starting your day, you likely have inflammation in your plantar fascia. 

Similarly, you might feel the pain when you first get up after sitting for a while. 

#3: Heel swelling and tenderness

Sometimes, you can see or feel the issue from outside your foot. You might notice that your heel looks swollen or it feels tender or even painful when you press on it. 

#4: Pain after but not necessarily during exercise

Sometimes, as the tissue on the bottom of your foot warms up, the pain from plantar fasciitis goes away. You might notice that it actually improves during exercise. 

Pay attention to how you feel afterward, though. If your heel pain flares later, you probably need to take some time to rest and let your plantar fascia heal. 

#5: Trouble climbing stairs

As you climb stairs, your plantar fascia has to work overtime to stabilize your foot and help you propel yourself upward. As a result, you might notice the pain worsens any time you need to go up a flight. 

What to do if you think you have plantar fasciitis

Usually, plantar fasciitis just needs some time to heal. Take a week off of exercise and try to stay off your feet as much as possible. Using ice packs wrapped in a towel can also help to minimize inflammation in your heel, reducing your pain.

If your heel pain doesn’t subside within a couple of weeks, it’s time to come see Dr. Vittori or Dr. Thakrar. We can help you heal the inflamed tissue on the bottom of your foot. 

For targeted plantar fasciitis care, call our team at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, or schedule your appointment online today.