We get a lot of questions and comments from patients — here’s what we hear the most…
Heel pain is always plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is commonly misdiagnosed. The heel pain can be from an entrapped nerve in the foot, Achilles tendonitis, heel stress fracture, bursitis, fat pad atrophy, and more.
Heel spur is not plantar fasciitis
A heel spur is a result of plantar fasciitis. The spur forms from the tight, irritated plantar fascia pulling on the heel bone.
Once you have plantar fasciitis you will always have plantar fasciitis
This may be true in severe cases. However, most people are able to find a sustainable resolution with conservative treatment such as quality insoles, proper stretches, appropriate shoes, and anti-inflammatories.
Plantar fasciitis runs in the family
The tearing of the plantar fascia is not genetic, but the structure of the foot is. Foot type and body type contribute significantly to stress put on the foot.
Plantar fasciitis requires a steroid injection
Studies indicate that 90% of plantar fasciitis resolves without significant medical treatment. The studies indicate that change in footwear, better arch support, and change in activity resolves the majority of cases.
Any arch support will cure my heel pain
All insoles are built differently. Most big box stores do not sell products with adequate arch support. Insoles should make contact with your arch while providing firm structural support.
Only flatfoot gets heel pain
Plantar fasciitis is most commonly seen in flat-footed patients, but any foot type (including high-arch) can develop plantar fasciitis. Flatfoot and high-arch individuals have trouble absorbing the impact of walking or running, putting added stress on the plantar fascia.
I need more padding under my heel
What’s actually needed is more structural support to prevent straining of the plantar facial ligament and the microtrauma from over use. Padding does not provide the same level of support as a firm arch support with a properly designed heel cup.
If I have plantar fasciitis I need to get custom orthotics
A premium over-the-counter insole with proper contour to your arch, with firm and structural support may be just as supportive and corrective as a custom molded orthotic. Custom molded orthotics cost hundreds of dollars while requiring a prescription and office visit(s) with a foot and ankle specialist.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by my shoes
While some shoes are designed well and can help treat plantar fasciitis, other shoes can cause unnecessary stress on the foot and lead to tearing of the plantar fascia.
Interesting facts:
- Stretching (on its own) can improve and treat plantar fasciitis (Click here for NIH source)
- Plantar fasciitis is most common in females.
- Feet have 25% of the bones within the human body. The average human foot has 26 to 28 bones.
- The root cause of plantar fasciitis is primarily from tight calf muscles and limited dorsiflexion of the ankle.
- 10% of the population in the United States will suffer from plantar fasciitis at least once in their lifetime.
- Activities such as running, and jobs where significant time is spent standing drastically increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Some studies have shown that 10% of plantar fasciitis cases are linked to running.