First-Step Pain
Plantar fasciitis commonly manifests in the morning as first-step pain. For example, when someone wakes up and plants their feet on the floor, the stabbing pain on the heel and the bottom of the feet tend to make people cringe as it jolts them awake. Some people describe first-step pain as akin to having small pins stabbing them simultaneously. The pain typically makes the person wince at the least as the sensation manifests. The pain is also instantaneous and localized.
Medical experts explain first-step pain as when the plantar fascia moves from its stretched or no-pressure position to immediately bear full body weight within seconds. The movement forces the plantar fascia to stretch beyond what it has been accustomed to which is quite stressful to the tendon and causes the brain to signal the pain receptors to activate.
Doctors recommend a conservative approach to manage first-step pain and plantar fasciitis in general. They stress the proper use of rest, enough ice or hot compress when the pain becomes unbearable, physiotherapy, compression, shoe insoles, or night splints. However, if none of the aforementioned things work, podiatrists might suggest using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before turning to platelet-rich plasma, cortisone shots, and corrective surgery.
