Why Your Heel Hurts in the Morning — And How to Fix It

Do your first steps out of bed feel like you're walking on broken glass? That sharp, stabbing heel pain in the morning is one of the most common complaints we see — and it has a name: Plantar Fasciitis. In this video, Dr. Dr. Drew Taft of Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern New Hampshire breaks down everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis — what it is, what causes it (including one major factor most people completely overlook), how we diagnose it, and the full range of treatment options available, from simple stretches all the way to advanced regenerative therapies. 📌 What You'll Learn: • What the plantar fascia is and why it gets inflamed • Why tight calf muscles are one of the biggest hidden causes of heel pain • The hallmark symptoms that point to plantar fasciitis • How we diagnose it right here in our office • Conservative treatments: stretching, orthotics, and night splints • Advanced options: EPAT shock wave therapy, Class 4 laser, and amniotic injections • When it's time to stop waiting and see a podiatrist 🦶 Ready to get back on your feet pain-free? 📞 Call our office: 603-432-2508 🌐 Visit us online: www.footandanklesnh.com 📍 Serving Southern New Hampshire — Derry, NH ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction & Teaser 0:30 — Meet Dr. Dr. Drew Taft 1:00 — Like, Subscribe & Share 1:15 — What Is Plantar Fasciitis? 2:30 — Causes & Risk Factors (Including Tight Calves) 4:00 — Symptoms: What Does It Feel Like? 5:30 — How We Diagnose It 6:30 — Treatment Options 9:30 — When Should You See a Podiatrist? 10:30 — Closing & How to Reach Us ❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What does plantar fasciitis feel like? A: The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel that is worst with your very first steps in the morning. The pain often improves after walking around for a few minutes but may return after long periods of standing or sitting. Q: What causes plantar fasciitis? A: The most overlooked cause is tight calf muscles. When the calf muscles are inflexible, they pull constantly on the heel bone through the Achilles tendon, placing the plantar fascia under excessive tension. Other causes include flat feet, high arches, sudden increases in activity, standing on hard surfaces for long hours, and unsupportive footwear. Q: Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own? A: Mild cases sometimes improve with rest and stretching, but most cases require targeted treatment. Without addressing the root cause — especially calf tightness — the condition tends to become chronic and much harder to treat. Q: How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal? A: With proper treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. Chronic cases that have been ignored for months may take longer. Q: What is EPAT shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis? A: EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) is a non-invasive, painless procedure that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate your body's natural healing response. There are no needles, no incisions, and no downtime. It is one of the most effective treatments available for stubborn plantar fasciitis. Q: Are amniotic injections effective for plantar fasciitis? A: Yes. Amniotic injections use growth factors and healing proteins to actively regenerate damaged tissue rather than simply reducing inflammation. They are an excellent option for patients who want a natural, healing-focused approach. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly foot health tips from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern New Hampshire. #PlantarFasciitis #HeelPain #FootPain #Podiatrist #FootHealth #HeelPainRelief #PodiatryEducation #FootAndAnkle #SouthernNH #NewHampshire #EPATTherapy #AmnioticInjections #MorningHeelPain #TightCalves #ArchPain