Plantar fasciitis patients complain of both stabbing and dull pain. The most common symptoms are:
Acute pain after prolonged rest or sat down
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the first steps of the day. After a long drive, a period of prolonged rest, lying down and sitting can increase the pressure on the ligaments that support the foot. There is therefore increased pain at the bottom of your heel. The pain does not disappear after a few steps.
- Pain in the heel
The pain is usually dull or stabbing and radiates to the muscles around the heel.
- Pain on the arch of the feet
Plantar fascia is responsible for supporting the arch of your feet. Any inflammation of these ligaments can lead to pain in the arch.
- Swollen heels
Swollen heels can be a sign of severe plantar fasciitis.
- Pain that persists for months
Some people who have plantar fasciitis experience pain in the heel or other areas for several months before it subsides.
- Achilles tendon stiffness
It is not uncommon for patients with plantar faciitis to experience tightness in the Achilles tendon. Nearly 80% of patients with plantar fasciitis report stiffness in the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles with your heels.
- Pain on the toes
Pain in the toes can be a symptom of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can cause painful toes. Patients with plantar fasciitis often experience painful toes because the pain that originates at the heel extends to the toes.
- Pain on the calves
Plantar fasciitis may also cause painful calves. This is because the muscles surrounding the foot become stiffer after the inflammation of the fascia, causing pain in the calves. If calf muscle tension is too high, it can cause additional pressure on the arch, making the plantar fasciitis worse. Plantar fasciitis can cause calf discomfort, but some medical experts claim that this is not the case.
- Ankle pain
Plantar fasciitis can cause pain in the heels, but it may also affect your ankles. In the ankle region, pain can be caused by an inflamed and irritated plantar fascia.
- Back Pain
Back pain can occur in patients with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can cause back pain, but the exact mechanism is not known. Your back pain may be caused by a change in posture and gait as you try to avoid painful heels. Any change in your weight distribution or balance can affect how you use your muscles to walk. It could cause back pain and muscle strain.
