Why Everyone Should Be Aware Of Plantar Fasciitis

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

In diagnosing plantar fasciitis, doctors normally begin with a health history and physical examination. During the health history, doctors will ask the patient questions about the location of their pain. The patient may also be asked about whether the pain is worse in the morning and if it increases with prolonged standing. This information could help the clinician distinguish between plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions. During the physical exam, the doctor will gently palpate the patient's foot to check for any areas of tenderness.

The painful foot may be compared to the unaffected foot. The physician might bend the patient's toes up toward their shin to see if this causes any pain, and they will also feel along the bottom of the patient's foot. While x-rays and other imaging studies are not typically indicated, they could help the doctor eliminate other conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures of the heel bone, and reactive arthritis.