Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed.

Many people feel the pain at the bottom of the heel. It is often worse first thing in the morning, when getting up after rest, or after a long day of standing, walking, or activity.

DeNova Health helps patients realize what may be causing heel pain and recommends treatment options to reduce strain on the plantar fascia, support the arch, and make daily movement more comfortable.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis often has a very specific pattern. The pain may feel sharp at first, then ease as you move around, only to return after more time on your feet.

Common symptoms may include:

• Bottom-of-heel pain: Pain is usually felt under the heel or along the arch of the foot.
• Start-up pain: Symptoms are often worse with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.
• Tenderness to pressure: The area under the heel bone feels sore when pressed.
• Pain after activity: Discomfort increases after long periods of standing, walking, running, or standing on hard floors.
• Tightness: The bottom of the foot or calf muscles feel tight.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Plantar fasciitis typically develops when the plantar fascia is placed under excessive strain or stretching, leading to tiny tears in the tissue.

Common causes and risk factors may include:

• Tight calf muscles: Limited ankle flexibility increases tension on the plantar fascia.
• Foot shape and mechanics: Having flat feet, fallen arches, or high arches can alter load distribution.
• Repetitive impact: Activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods on hard surfaces.
• Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that lack adequate arch support or cushioning.
• Weight-related load: Increased weight placing more stress through the arch.

How DeNova Health Assesses Plantar Fasciitis

During your visit, our team will review your symptoms, history of heel pain, and activity levels. We perform a physical exam to check for tenderness, joint range of motion, and assess foot mechanics.

This helps us understand the source of the strain on your arch and recommend a treatment plan focused on reducing pain and supporting recovery.

Treatment Options at DeNova Health

Treatment options are designed to reduce strain on the plantar fascia, support the arch, and ease pain.

• Custom orthotics: Tailored support can help distribute weight evenly, improve alignment, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Orthopaedic footwear: Shoes with proper support and cushioning can reduce pressure on the heel bone.
• Physical therapy and stretching: Guided stretching for the calf muscles and plantar fascia, alongside strengthening.
• Night splints: A device worn during sleep to keep the calf and fascia stretched, reducing morning start-up pain.
• Shockwave therapy: High-energy acoustic waves to help manage chronic heel pain that has not responded to other care.
• Injection therapies: Options such as corticosteroids, platelet rich plasma (PRP), prolotherapy and/or biologic compatible hyaluronic acid may be discussed.

Surgical options may be discussed when appropriate.

When to Seek Care for Heel Pain

You should seek care if you notice:

1. Pain with your first steps: Your heel hurts when getting out of bed or standing after rest.
2. Pain under the heel: The bottom of the heel feels sharp, bruised, or tender when walking.
3. Symptoms after activity: Heel pain becomes worse after standing, walking, running, or being on hard surfaces.
4. Tightness through the arch or calf: The bottom of the foot or calf feels tight and difficult to stretch.
5. Pain that keeps returning: Symptoms improve briefly but come back with regular daily movement.

Book a Plantar Fasciitis Assessment

If heel pain is making it harder to walk, stand, work, or stay active, DeNova Health can help you understand what may be causing the problem.

Book an assessment at DeNova Health to review your symptoms, assess your foot mechanics, and create a plan to help reduce heel pain, support the arch, and improve daily comfort.