Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects millions of Americans and remains one of the most common reasons people seek help for persistent foot pain. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone working on their feet all day, heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis can significantly affect your quality of life.
At Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we serve communities throughout Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Gretna, Grand Island, Hastings, Norfolk, Auburn, Falls City, York, Hebron, and Wahoo, offering personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and a wide range of foot and ankle services to help you get back on your feet.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk or run. When this tissue becomes overstressed or inflamed, you’ll likely feel a stabbing pain in the heel—especially with your first steps in the morning.
This condition often develops gradually and can worsen if the underlying causes aren’t addressed.
How Excess Weight Affects Your Feet
Extra body weight means extra strain on your plantar fascia. Even gaining just 10–20 extra pounds can shift the way you walk and put stress on your heel and arch. Over time, the tissue begins to stretch and micro-tears develop—leading to chronic inflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that obesity increases the risk of plantar fasciitis by up to 1.7 times compared to individuals with a healthy BMI.
If you’ve been dealing with nagging heel pain and are carrying extra weight, your feet might be sending you a message.
Lifestyle Habits That Influence Foot Health
Your daily choices—from what shoes you wear to how much you stretch—play a critical role in preventing and managing plantar fasciitis.
1. Inadequate Footwear
Unsupportive shoes can alter your gait and add unnecessary strain to your plantar fascia. Shoes that lack arch support or cushioning are especially harmful for individuals who are overweight or spend hours on their feet.
2. Standing for Long Hours
Nurses, teachers, cashiers, and hospitality workers often stand or walk on hard surfaces all day. Without proper support, this constant pressure can cause the plantar fascia to weaken and inflame.
3. High-Impact Activities
Sudden increases in running, walking, or jumping without proper conditioning can trigger or worsen plantar fasciitis.
4. Lack of Stretching
Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons reduce the flexibility of your foot and ankle, increasing strain on the plantar fascia.
Our Nebraska clinics offer custom orthotics, physical therapy programs, and lifestyle coaching to help reduce foot pain and improve your mobility.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Services We Offer
At Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we provide complete care for all types of foot and ankle conditions—not just plantar fasciitis. Our services include:
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
- Flat Feet
- Reconstructive Foot Surgery
- Custom Orthotics
- Hammertoes Corrections
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Wound Care
- Ankle Sprain
Whether you need conservative treatments or surgical options, our goal is to help you move better and live pain-free.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Your feet support your entire body—don’t ignore the signs they’re in distress. Whether you need non-surgical solutions or advanced care from our board-certified foot surgeons, Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons is here to help you every step of the way.
