Does Plantar Fasciitis Cause Ankle Pain?
Posted by VDB Shoe Pros on
Yes, plantar fasciitis can cause ankle pain. While plantar fasciitis is most commonly associated with heel discomfort, it can also lead to pain that radiates into the ankle due to changes in the way you walk, compensatory muscle strain, and chronic inflammation. At Van Dyke & Bacon, we understand how foot pain can affect your entire lower body.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes. This ligament supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock with every step. When it becomes overworked, due to long hours on your feet, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or structural foot issues. You can develop tiny tears that lead to pain and inflammation.
The classic symptom is sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning. If you struggle with heel spurs, check out the best new balance shoes to alleviate pain! However, many people don’t realize that this condition can also affect the ankle. That’s because the entire foot and ankle complex is interconnected, and problems in one area often affect another.
How Plantar Fasciitis Leads to Ankle Pain
If you're experiencing both heel and ankle pain, there may be a direct connection. Plantar fasciitis can lead to biomechanical changes in how you move, which in turn can strain the ankle. This strain can cause pain in the inner or outer ankle, depending on your walking pattern and underlying foot structure.
When the heel is sore, many people subconsciously adjust their stride to reduce pressure. These compensations, such as rolling the foot outward or favoring the forefoot, can increase the workload on the ankle joint. Over time, this added strain can result in swelling, tightness, and chronic ankle discomfort.
Furthermore, tight calf muscles, which are common in individuals with plantar fasciitis, limit ankle mobility and can contribute to overuse injuries in the ankle ligaments and tendons. The tension from the calf pulls on the heel, which in turn pulls on the plantar fascia and nearby structures, including the ankle.
Signs That Your Ankle Pain May Be Linked to Plantar Fasciitis
While ankle pain can have many causes, there are some clear indicators that plantar fasciitis may be contributing to your discomfort. If your ankle pain occurs alongside classic symptoms such as heel pain in the morning, tenderness along the arch, or pain after standing for long periods, it’s likely the two are connected.
Pain may be concentrated along the inner side of the ankle or behind the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts. In some cases, the pain is on the outer ankle due to the foot rolling outward. You might also feel instability in the ankle, or notice that the pain worsens after walking or exercising.
Understanding this relationship is important because treating only the ankle without addressing the root cause may lead to incomplete recovery.
Footwear’s Role in Preventing and Managing Ankle Pain
Wearing the wrong shoes is one of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis and ankle strain. Footwear that lacks arch support, cushioning, or heel stability can worsen your symptoms over time. That’s why choosing the right shoes is a key part of both prevention and treatment.
Supportive shoes help distribute weight evenly across the foot, preventing excessive pressure on the plantar fascia and reducing the need for compensatory movements that strain the ankle. A firm heel counter keeps the ankle aligned, while adequate cushioning protects against shock with each step.
At Van Dyke & Bacon, we carry trusted brands like New Balance, Dansko, and Xelero that are specially designed to support the needs of people with foot pain. These shoes provide targeted features like enhanced arch support, deep heel cups, and orthotic-friendly designs that can help relieve both plantar fasciitis and ankle discomfort.
Treatment Options for Ankle Pain Related to Plantar Fasciitis
If your ankle pain stems from plantar fasciitis, addressing both conditions simultaneously is key to long-term relief. Conservative treatment often begins with activity modification, such as reducing time spent on hard surfaces or limiting high-impact exercise.
Stretching the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can improve flexibility and reduce strain. A daily routine of stretching before and after activity can make a significant difference in pain levels.
Icing the heel and ankle after periods of activity can help reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also be used under the guidance of your doctor.
In many cases, custom or over-the-counter orthotics are recommended to provide additional support and redistribute pressure. To learn more about insoles click here. These inserts can be worn in your everyday shoes and are a simple, non-invasive way to promote better foot alignment.
If symptoms persist, a physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your foot and ankle. In rare cases, more advanced treatments such as corticosteroid injections or regenerative medicine may be considered.
Supporting Your Feet with Van Dyke & Bacon
Foot pain can be more than just a nuisance, it can interfere with your work, your workouts, and your everyday comfort. At Van Dyke & Bacon, we specialize in helping people find solutions through expertly fitted footwear and foot care education.
Whether you’re recovering from plantar fasciitis, dealing with persistent ankle discomfort, or simply want to prevent future issues, we’re here to help. Our stores offer a wide range of orthopedic-friendly and stylish shoes designed to meet your needs without sacrificing comfort or support. Click here to get started!
