Why That Sharp Morning Heel Pain Isn't Something to Sleep On

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The thing about plantar fasciitis is that most people don’t even know they have it. Most often it’s put down to getting older. They step out of bed in the morning feeling stiff, and they get a sharp pain in their heel. It usually then fades away, but not because they’ve ‘loosened up’.

The condition affects around 10% of the general public, overwhelmingly impacting people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Left untreated, it can seriously affect your ability to move around. 

So, in this article, we offer up an expert view of the problem from a chiropodist in Newmarket, Ontario. We’ll look at what causes the problem, and why you shouldn’t leave it too long before seeing a specialist.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis happens when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot gets worn down over a long period of time. It's not a dramatic injury, and there's no single moment where something goes. Because it builds up so slowly, people tend to just put up with it. 

If you spend most of your day on your feet, you’re most at risk, especially on hard surfaces. That morning pain you get when stepping out of bed is usually because the heel tissue has tightened up overnight, and when you place your foot on the floor, you’re making it stretch more than it comfortably can.

While the pain doesn’t usually last long, you should start to think about seeing a chiropodist in Ontario soon. If you don’t, it’ll likely worsen, leading to:

• You getting more persistent heel pain throughout the day

• Other posture and pain issues happening because you change how you walk to lessen the pain

• Difficulty staying comfortable while standing

• Increasingly long recovery times

  
  

The good news is that early treatment for plantar fasciitis from a foot specialist in Ontario can help to keep everything under control. 

Combined with regular stretching and the right shoes, you can slowly, but surely, improve how your heels feel - even if you’re someone who tends to stand up a lot at work or in their spare time.

How To Lower Your Risk Of Plantar Fasciitis

For a condition that’s so common, plantar fasciitis often develops unnoticed, and while there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it completely, there are a few simple things that can reduce strain on your heels:

• Avoiding walking barefoot on hard flooring for long periods

• Easing into new exercise routines instead of sudden, increased intensity

• Taking short seated breaks during long periods of standing, where possible

• Not waiting for your heel tightness to turn into everyday pain

In many cases, the earlier you notice changes in your feet, the easier they are to deal with. Small adjustments early on are often far more effective than trying to correct the problem once the pain becomes constant.

Don't Ignore Ongoing Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis rarely just disappears on its own, and the longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to start affecting how you move, how you work, and how comfortable you are getting through a normal day.

At York Foot Clinic and Orthotic Centre, the team provides treatment for a wide range of foot and heel pain conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Our custom orthotic and shockwave therapy allow us to tailor care to the individual needs of every patient.

So, if your heels are giving you problems, don’t put it off, because the sooner you get it looked at, the easier it will be to treat. Get in touch with York Foot and Orthotic Clinic today to book an appointment.