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Writer's pictureDyan McKeown

Let's Talk Foot Pain...

Updated: Mar 12


Why Does my foot really hurt when i first step out of bed? The most common cause of foot pain first thing in the morning or during the night when you first step down is a condition called plantar fasciitis.   

Typically, the pain of plantar fasciitis is felt in the heel on the underside of the foot.  The pain may radiate to the toes or feel like it goes up the back of the lower leg. The pain is usually worse in the morning or after walking or standing for long periods of time.  You may also feel stiffness or tenderness to the touch.  

What is it? 

The plantar fascia is a wide band of connective tissue that spans the entire underside of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot.  This band provides support to the arch as well as some shock absorption.  Extra tension can cause small tears in this tissue which results in inflammation and ultimately pain.  The pain can come and go so it often goes untreated until the pain is constant.  By the time the pain is constant the inflammation is quite high and walking and standing for any length of time becomes quite difficult.  The longer it is left untreated the more difficult it is to treat, and recovery takes much longer. 

What causes it? 

The causes of plantar fasciitis typically revolve around poor footwear and overuse.  Wearing shoes without support or high heels are common causes for woman that I see.  The men, typically from work boots with no support. In either case, long periods of standing or walking can cause persistent symptoms. Athletes, either men or woman, usually suffer from plantar fasciitis from running shoes that are no longer supporting the arch. 

What can I do about it? 

We see a fair number of cases of plantar fasciitis every month at Live Well. During an assessment we discuss the above causes and try to determine what could be the cause and address that first.  If its poor footwear, worn our orthotics, or the like we try to rectify that before treatment as continuing to wear the poor shoes will make recovery much longer.  Once we determine exactly what is happening and where the pain and inflammation is we typically do a series of laser treatments to decrease the inflammation and repair any damaged tissue.  If the plantar fascia still presents as very taught, we may do a few shockwave treatments which help to remove any small bone spurs and loosen the fascia.  While you are in treatment you will be given some suggestions for homecare in between appointments. 

As with most conditions everyone is an individual and needs specific individualized treatment.  All of that is determined by your therapist during the assessment.  If you are suffering with foot pain and think you may have plantar fasciitis call or reply to this email, and we will get you in for an assessment just as soon as we can.   

Why live with foot pain when you can Live Well?

Below is the video of Dyan talking more about Plantar Fasciitis.



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