Beyond the Heel: Can Plantar Fasciitis Pain Spread?
Usually, the conversation around plantar fasciitis focuses entirely on the heel. But if you’re feeling aches in your arch or even near your toes, you might be wondering: Is this still plantar fasciitis, or did I pick up a new injury along the way?
While we can’t rule that out, plantar fasciitis can be felt in areas other than just the back of your foot. Today, we at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists will go over the non-heel-related pain and plantar fasciitis causes.
Your Plantar Fascia
To understand why the pain moves, you must look at what the plantar fascia actually is: a thick ligament that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot.
Because this tissue spans almost the entire length of your sole, inflammation doesn’t always stay politely in one spot. While the most common attachment point is the heel, the tension can radiate.
Pain in the Arch of the Foot
Many people experience what feels like a pulling sensation or a sharp cramp right in the center of their foot, which is often referred to as mid-foot pain. If your arches are particularly high or very flat, the middle of the ligament may take on extra strain.
You might feel this most when you are walking barefoot on hard surfaces or after a long day in old shoes.
Tension Near the Ball of the Foot
While less common, some of our patients feel discomfort extending toward the ball of the foot. This usually happens because the fascia is so tight that it begins to affect how your toes move and flex.
If you feel a dull ache creeping toward your forefoot, the entire ligament is probably under duress, not just the heel.
Why Is the Plantar Fasciitis Pain Moving?
If you started with heel pain and now it is migrating, you might be changing the way you walk to compensate for the discomfort. This is called antalgic gait.
And when you shift your weight to avoid the painful heel, you put pressure on your arch, the side of your foot, and your ankles and knees.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your shoes. If you notice uneven wear patterns on the soles, you are likely overcompensating, which can make the pain spread to new areas.
How to Manage Widespread Plantar Fasciitis Pain
If you want to get back to your morning run or just a pain-free walk to the kitchen, focus on stretching the entire foot. Rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle or a tennis ball can help massage the arch and the heel simultaneously.
For a more detailed discussion on treatment for your plantar fasciitis, go here.
If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
