You get out of bed, put your foot down, and feel a sharp pain under your heel. By the time you reach the kitchen, it has eased. Then it happens again when you stand up after lunch. If that sounds familiar, the timing is a useful clue to share with your podiatrist.
Heel pain on the first few steps after rest is a common pattern with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that helps support the arch. When it becomes irritated, the area near the heel can be painful as you start putting weight on it. The pain may ease as you walk and return after a long day on your feet.
That pattern alone cannot tell you what is causing your pain. For example, pain at the back of the heel is in a different location than pain underneath it. Tell your podiatrist exactly where you feel it, rather than just saying your heel hurts.
If you can, bring the shoes you wear most often. Mention whether the pain is making you limp, skip walks, or change how long you stand at work.
If the pain keeps returning, worsens, or makes everyday walking harder, schedule an evaluation. Dr. Jon Williams can examine the area, discuss your symptoms, and help you understand which next steps make sense for the cause of your pain.
Contact The Painless Podiatrist in Camarillo to schedule a visit.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs.