Can plantar fasciitis cause your feet to swell?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 13, 2026
Plantar fasciitis leads to a variety of symptoms that are usually at their worst after long periods of inactivity. You may have agonizing heel pain, for example, right after you get out of bed or get up from sitting at your desk at work. Plantar fasciitis can lead to: Swelling around your heel or ankle.
How do you get rid of swollen feet from plantar fasciitis?
Apply ice.
Hold a cloth-covered ice pack over the area of pain for 15 minutes three or four times a day to help reduce pain and inflammation. Or try rolling a frozen bottle of water under your foot for an ice massage.
How long does swelling from plantar fasciitis last?
It can take 6-12 months for your foot to get back to normal. You can do these things at home to ease the pain and help your foot heal faster: Rest: It's important to keep weight off your foot until the inflammation goes down. Ice: This is an easy way to treat inflammation, and there are a few ways you can use it.
When should I be concerned about swollen feet?
If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.
Why are my feet swollen all of a sudden?
The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.
28 related questions foundWhy is the top of my foot swollen?
The extensor tendons, located in the top of the foot, are needed for flexing or pulling the foot upward. If they become inflamed due to overuse or wearing shoes without proper support, they may get torn or inflamed. This is known as extensor tendinitis, which can cause significant pain in the top of the foot.
What deficiency causes swollen feet and ankles?
ANSWER: Ankle swelling can be a sign of any kind of anemia. I should explain pernicious anemia. It stems from a lack of B-12, essential in building red blood cells. The vitamin deficiency exists because the stomach lacks the substance vital for its absorption (intrinsic factor).
How do you know if swelling is serious?
Internal swelling is often a side effect of a medication or the result of a serious injury. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience rapid, unexplainable swelling, especially if you also experience unexplained weight gain and pain.
...
These include:
- itching.
- vomiting.
- flatulence.
- pain in the affected area.
How do I stop my feet from swelling at night?
Here are 10 to try.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. ...
- Buy compression socks. ...
- Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. ...
- Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart. ...
- Get moving! ...
- Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people. ...
- Make some dietary changes. ...
- Lose weight if you're overweight.
Can dehydration cause swollen feet?
“Usually, individuals who suffer from heaviness and leg swelling make the mistake of not drinking enough water – says Dr. Marco Setti, Head of Vascular Surgery at Humanitas Gavazzeni. Instead, it is necessary to introduce fluids into the body by eating lots of vegetables and fruits as well as drinking natural water.
Should you walk with plantar fasciitis?
Walking around after lying or sitting for a time may ease plantar fasciitis symptoms as the ligament stretches out. However, the pain will gradually worsen throughout the day making you very uncomfortable and affecting normal daily activities.
What happens to untreated plantar fasciitis?
Over time, the inflammation and stress to the plantar fascia can result in small tears in the fascia. This will cause your pain levels to increase gradually and if left unaddressed, these tears might grow in size and number, making the plantar fascia more vulnerable to rupture and debilitation.
Should I limit walking with plantar fasciitis?
If you ignore the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you may set yourself up for chronic heel pain that hinders your daily activities. And simply changing the way you walk to relieve your discomfort can lead to future foot, knee, hip, or back problems. It's important to get proper treatment.
What can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis?
This can happen to many nerves in your body, but the one most commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis is the tibial nerve, which runs down the back of your leg. When the tibial nerve is pinched or entrapped near the ankle, it is called tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Is plantar fasciitis serious?
As if the first steps out of bed in the morning aren't torturous enough already, many people suffer stabbing pains in their feet as they limp their way to the bathroom.
Can the bottom of your feet swell?
Swelling occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot (fascia) is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you: Have foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)
What foods to avoid when you have swollen feet?
To reduce swelling all over your body, podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross near Rockville, MD recommends that you avoid fast food, potato chips and packaged sweets. Watch out for sneaky sources of sodium like condiments, sauces and canned food. Fruits and veggies are a staple of a bloat-free diet.
Does magnesium reduce swelling?
Magnesium supplements
Supplements offer another way to get a boost of magnesium. Taking 200 mg to 400 mg of magnesium a day may help reduce swelling, Dr. Botek said. (Talk to your doctor before taking the supplement, though — especially if you have a kidney or heart condition.)
What medications cause swollen feet?
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include:
- hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
- calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure.
- steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids.
- antidepressants.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- medication to help manage diabetes.
How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?
Home Care
- Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
- Exercise your legs. ...
- Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
- Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
- When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.
Where does swelling fluid come from?
Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Mild cases of edema may result from: Sitting or staying in one position for too long.
What is leg edema?
Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. This can happen if you simply spend a long day on your feet or sit for too long. But it may also be a sign that you're overweight or don't get enough exercise, or of more serious medical conditions.
Can B-12 make your feet swell?
Swollen ankles or feet are a potential side effect of vitamin B-12 shots, and require immediate medical attention. There is no upper limit for the intake of vitamin B-12 because the risk of toxicity or overdose is extremely low. However, B-12 shots may have other side effects.
Does vitamin B-12 reduce water retention?
B12 also reduces water retention owing to its diuretic attributes. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods, including fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry.
What happens if edema is left untreated?
If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.