Running Foot Pain: Plantar Fasciitis vs. Ankle Instability

Foot or ankle pain can make every mile feel harder, but identifying where the pain occurs and how it began can help narrow down the cause. In this video, Dr. Bryan Van Dyke, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist at Summit Orthopaedics, discusses two conditions he commonly sees in runners and athletes throughout Eastern Idaho: plantar fasciitis and ankle instability.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain underneath the heel, near where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. Ankle instability is different: it often develops after someone rolls or sprains an ankle and may leave the joint feeling weak or unreliable during running and other activities. Summit's foot and ankle care includes evaluation and individualized treatment for both sudden injuries and persistent symptoms.

Although these conditions have different causes, neither should automatically mean giving up running or the activities you enjoy. The right treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis and may include nonsurgical care, rehabilitation, or other options based on the injury and the patient's goals. Learn more about common ankle conditions and Summit's approach to sports injury treatment.

If heel pain, repeated ankle sprains, or instability is keeping you off the road or trail, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Van Dyke at Summit Orthopaedics in Idaho Falls or call (208) 227-1100.

Chapters

00:00 Common foot and ankle injuries in runners

00:07 Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

00:16 Ankle sprains and instability

00:23 Treatment and returning to running

What is the most common foot or ankle injury you see in runners and athletes in Eastern Idaho?

Probably the most common cause of foot pain in runners is plantar fasciitis. That is pain underneath the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of the heel.

Another common injury we see is ankle instability, which can happen when someone rolls or sprains an ankle. That is more of an acute injury.

Both of those conditions are things we can treat. We can help people get better, return to running, and stay active.