I think I have Plantar Fasciitis, should I go to the Doctor?

[USAF_fiance]

Every morning when I wake up and stand or walk my heels are in bad pain. Even if I sit for a few mins and try to walk my heels hurt. The pain goes away after a few mins, or if I stand on my tippy toes. Ive had this for going on a year. Should I go to the DR?

[Emma]

A podiatrist will be able to diagnose the problem and provide ideas to help relieve the pain.

[Douglas B]

I think your diagnosis is wrong. You are having trouble with your achilles tendon because it has shortened itself up as tendons will do now and then. In that shortened state it is pulling against the area of least resistance, your heel. That is why when you stand on tippy toes it doesn't hurt as much, for that brought the heel closer to the tendon. Here is how you can release it:
Achilles tendon:
With that foot in your lap, take both your hands and place them on the back of the tendon about one inch apart at ankle level. Press the tendon hard between your fingers and thumbs and hold that pressure there. Relax, take a deep breath and exhale and don’t tense up any part of your body. After 30 seconds slowly raise the front of your foot as far as it will go. Then remove the pressure but hold your foot there for one minute longer.

[happyjoy]

You might be suffering from heel spurs. Heel spur pain is often most intense after long periods of rest from being on your feet. Morning heel spur pain is often the most severe type of heel spur pain. The reason for this is: As you move during the day, the nerves surrounding the heel spur adjust around the spur so that the heel spur is not digging into them. After long periods of rest, such as when sleeping, the nerves relax back into their normal position. Thus, when you get out of bed in the morning, pain can become intense as you are putting weight on the heel for the first time causing the heel spur to be pushed into the sensitive nerves and tissues.

Please visit http://www.bonespur.com to read more

[Pedorthist]

I disagree with the comments below. I am a Pedorthist (foot specialist) and it is more likely that you have PF. Heel spurs are more calcium deposits that form around bones near the calcaneus bone. The deposits come from a wound or damage to tendon/ligaments. Pain radiates with you are in a weight bearing position (i.e. standing) There is a great web site, http://www.360footcare.com, that is interactive. They have a Pedorthist (a foot specialist including diabetic foot care ) who interacts with customers. They have youtube videos and eventually they will offer weekly live broadcasting for customers. The Pedorhist will discuss a particular foot problem and then Customers will ask questions that the Pedorthist will answer on live broadcast and Twitter. You might want to check them out. I know that they are still getting their interactive tools up and running but until then you might send an email. Good luck