If you’ve ever stepped out of bed and felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, you’re not imagining things, and it’s not normal. That’s one of the classic signs of plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects countless people every year. At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists in Portland, Dr. Jules Bodo helps patients understand what’s behind the pain and how to finally get lasting relief.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes, composed of the medial and lateral bands supporting the arch of your foot. When that tissue becomes inflamed, often from overuse, tight calves, flat feet, or poor footwear, it leads to pain at the bottom of the heel. Most commonly on the plantar aspect of your heel.
Most people notice it first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. That first step can feel like walking on a tack. The pain may ease as you move around, but it tends to come back after long walks, runs, or time spent on your feet.
What Causes It?
A lot of different factors can lead to plantar fasciitis. Runners are especially prone to it, but anyone who stands a lot, such as teachers, nurses, and retail workers, can be affected. Weight gain, changes in activity level, or wearing shoes without proper support can also put too much strain on the fascia. Sometimes it starts suddenly. Other times, it builds gradually until it’s hard to ignore.
How Dr. Bodo Treats Plantar Fasciitis
At Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists in Portland, Dr. Bodo starts by listening to your symptoms and evaluating how you walk, stand, and move. Treatment doesn’t have to be invasive. Most patients respond well to conservative care. That might include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, or supportive shoe recommendations.
If your pain persists, additional options like anti-inflammatory treatments, physical therapy, or steroid injections may be considered. The goal is to reduce inflammation, support your foot’s natural structure, and get you back to doing what you love, without pain slowing you down. In the minority of the cases, you do not respond to conservative therapy, surgery will be considered.
Don’t Wait for Plantar Fasciitis to Go Away on Its Own
It’s easy to brush off heel pain as no big deal, especially if it comes and goes. But plantar fasciitis can become chronic if left untreated, and the longer it lingers, the harder it is to fix.
Dr. Jules Bodo and the team at Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists can help take the pressure off your feet. With personalized care and practical guidance, you can get back to walking comfortably, even first thing in the morning. To schedule an appointment at our Portland, Maine, office, call (207) 910-5454.
