Side of Foot Pain Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Plantar Fasciitis

Understanding Side of Foot Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Side of foot pain is a common complaint that affects many adults during their lifetime. The pain can range from mild soreness to severe, debilitating discomfort. While there are various possible causes, plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent diagnoses when the discomfort localizes near the heel.

Anatomy of the Foot

To understand side foot pain, it helps to first review the foot's anatomy. The foot contains 26 bones along with multiple muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold everything in place. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that originates at the heel bone and runs along the sole of the foot. It helps support the foot's arch.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing pain on the bottom outer side of the heel that may radiate toward the arch. It involves tiny tears or excessive strain to the plantar fascia tissue.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is stabbing heel pain that is often most severe with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Other plantar fasciitis symptoms include:

• Pain when standing after sitting for awhile
• Heel pain that worsens with climbing stairs or running
• Tenderness, bruising or swelling around the heel
• Sharp heel pain after physical activity

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

A variety of factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Common causes include:

• Overuse - Repeated microtears from extensive walking, running, or jumping
• Foot mechanics - High foot arches or flat feet put extra strain on the plantar fascia
• Tight calf muscles - Limited ankle flexibility adds tension to the plantar fascia
• Footwear - Worn out or unsupportive shoes fail to stabilize the foot
• Excess weight - Increased body weight overloads the feet
• Certain activities - Running and athletic endeavors may strain the plantar fascia

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis include:

• Age - Middle age between 40-60 years old
• Obesity or being overweight
• Occupations with prolonged standing or walking - Teachers, factory workers, nurses
• Athletic activities - Long distance running, dance, aerobics
• Flat feet or high foot arches
• Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, a foot doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. They will perform a physical exam to assess areas of tenderness, swelling, or redness. Other potential diagnostic tests include:

• Foot tapping - Pain when the doctor taps on the heel helps confirm plantar fasciitis.
• Imaging - X-rays or MRI to check for underlying fractures, arthritis, or tears in the plantar fascia.
• Foot measurements - Evaluating arch shape and range of motion.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and Home Remedies

Most cases of plantar fasciitis improve with conservative self-care treatments:

• Rest - Reduce activities that worsen pain like running.
• Ice - Apply ice packs to the painful heel area several times per day.
• Stretching - Gently stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
• Footwear - Wear supportive shoes with good arch support.
• OTC pain medication - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can temporarily alleviate discomfort.
• Heel pads - Inserting heel cups or orthotic shoe inserts helps cushion the heel.

Advanced Plantar Fasciitis Treatments

For moderate to severe cases, a doctor may recommend advanced treatment options, like:

• Night splints - Wearing a foot brace at night keeps the plantar fascia gently stretched overnight.
• Physical therapy - Specific PT exercises improve flexibility and strengthen the feet.
• Casting - A walking cast or boot immobilizes the foot to allow complete rest.
• Corticosteroid injections - Injecting anti-inflammatory medicine can temporarily relieve symptoms.
• Shockwave therapy - Pulsed sound waves applied to the heel stimulate healing.
• Surgery - Severe cases may need surgery to detach or release part of the plantar fascia ligament.

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

You can take proactive steps to prevent plantar fasciitis flare ups:

• Warm up calves with light stretching before exercise or sports
• Increase physical activity gradually over time
• Choose supportive, well-cushioned athletic shoes
• Lose weight if overweight
• Use arch-supporting insoles or orthotic inserts
• Take frequent breaks when standing or walking for long periods

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if self-care and over-the-counter medications don't alleviate heel pain within a few weeks. Also seek medical advice for pain accompanied by swelling or bruising.

Early diagnosis and treatment from a podiatrist can often resolve plantar fasciitis before it becomes a chronic issue. Proper footwear modifications, stretching exercises, and pain management steps can make a difference.

Outlook for Plantar Fasciitis

With appropriate conservative treatment, 70-90% of those with plantar fasciitis recover within 10 months. However, recurrence is common. Maintaining foot flexibility and impact moderation helps prevent repeat flare ups.

While painful in the moment, plantar fasciitis is usually a temporary condition. Give your feet proper rest and care to become pain-free again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.