Heel pain felt in the mornings may be a sign of plantar fasciitis

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Dr. İrfan Koca issued warnings, stating that heel pain becoming pronounced after getting out of bed in the mornings can be one of the important symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia, extending from the heel bone to the toes on the sole of the foot, is a strong connective tissue that plays an important role in the foot's weight-bearing and stepping functions.

Causes of the Disease

As a result of repetitive mechanical strains, micro-level damage, wear and tear, inflammatory changes, and edema can develop in this tissue.

Long-standing mechanical strain may also be associated with the formation of a calcaneal spur, commonly known as a heel spur, over time.

Importance of Differential Diagnosis

Not every heel pain means plantar fasciitis; if there is morning back stiffness or joint swelling, rheumatological diseases should also be investigated.

Nerve entrapments, spine-related issues, Achilles tendon problems, gout, and other foot diseases must also be evaluated in the differential diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment Methods

Instead of focusing solely on the painful area in plantar fasciitis, the general structure of the foot, load distribution, and gait characteristics should be handled together.

Methods such as home exercises, appropriate shoes and insoles, manual therapy, shock wave therapy, laser, and fascial hydrodissection are utilized.

Advanced Treatment Options

When necessary, neural therapy, prolotherapy, PRP, stem cell and exosome applications, and radiofrequency in resistant cases may be preferred.

Metabolic Evaluations

In cases where complaints persist for a long time and do not respond to treatment, vitamin D, thyroid hormones, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid levels are examined.