Have you ever felt like a spike is stabbing your heel when you take your first steps in the morning? If so, you may have plantar fasciitis—a common cause of heel pain. 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This band of tissue runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the bottom of the heel to the bottom of your forefoot.

The plantar fascia helps support your arch and absorbs the shock the foot endures with every step. When it is overburdened with excessive stress and strain, tears develop in the tissue, causing significant pain in your heel.

When you’re resting and not active, your body does what it is supposed to do and repairs these tiny tears—especially during extended periods of inactivity like a night’s sleep. But, when you take those first few steps in the morning, the fascia tears again, causing sharp, intense heel pain. 

Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone at any age. It is most common in people who spend a lot of time on their feet, walking on hard surfaces and running. This might explain why we see so many patients with it here in New York. 

morning heel pain

Treatment for Morning Heel Pain

While the morning heel pain is often severe, treatment is available that relieves pain and helps resolve the problem. Treatment for plantar fasciitis almost always requires conservative treatment! Surgery is very rare to treat plantar fasciitis and will always be discussed with you beforehand. 

  • Custom orthotics offer you a great base that corrects biomechanics problems to reduce pain
  • Laser Therapy helps reduce acute or chronic pain quicker than traditional treatment options
  • RICE therapy requires time to rest the plantar fascia

If you’re experiencing foot and heel pain such as this, swift, corrective action is recommended to minimize further damage, relieve pain, and prevent continued pain and discomfort. Foot Specialists of Long Island can assess your foot and heel pain, create a treatment plan, and give you tools to manage plantar fasciitis.

You can reach our office in Massapequa, New York at (516) 804-9038, or by using our appointment request form online.

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