Do you have a sore heel? The symptoms of plantar fasciitis all relate to pain and tenderness on the bottom of your foot, at or near the heel. In most cases, the pain:
- Is worse when you take the first steps of the day on getting out of bed. This is the classic symptom of plantar fasciitis.
- Burns, throbs, aches or feels sharp. Your heel may also feel bruised.
- Increases after either sitting or standing for long periods.
- Temporarily decreases after the foot warms up with walking.
- Worsens after more intense or longer physical activity.
- May feel worse when climbing stairs.
- May move around the bottom of your heel area, sometimes on the bottom center, or the inside or outside.
- May affect only one foot, or both.
- Develops over time, though it can develop suddenly after intense athletic exertion.
- May include tenderness in the whole sole of your foot, which could be caused by related conditions like metatarsalgia.
- May be related to knee problems, as the underlying problems that cause plantar fasciitis may also cause knee or hip problems.
Note: Other conditions, such as tarsal tunnel syndrom or arthritis may have similar symptoms, though may express slightly differently. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor and/or a podiatrist.
If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, learn more:
Treatment – What can I do NOW to start getting better?
Causes – Why do I have this problem? Did I do something wrong?