Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions & Arch Pain: What a Foot Surgeon Wants You to Know

As a foot and ankle surgeon, I see patients every day who tell me the same thing:
“I thought the pain would just go away.”

Plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arch pain are some of the most common foot issues I treat and many of them start quietly, long before surgery is ever needed. The good news? When caught early, these issues can be managed with simple, supportive care.

In this post, I’ll share what I see most often in practice, the early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, and practical ways to protect your feet so they can support you for years to come.

1. The Most Common Foot Issues I See

While foot pain can show up in many ways, three conditions consistently top the list:

Plantar Fasciitis
Typically felt as sharp or aching pain in the bottom of the heel, especially with the first step in the morning or after sitting. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

Bunions
I commonly hear patients refer to a bunion as a bump on the inside of their foot. However a bunion is more than just a bump, it’s a structural deformity of the big toe joint that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking and wearing shoes. Over time, bunions can progress quickly especially if the foot is not adequately supported.

Arch Pain
Often related to overuse, poor footwear, or lack of support. Arch pain can also be a sign of plantar fasciitis, tendon strain or flat feet.

2. Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Foot pain can slowly build over time. Common early signs I see include:

• Heel pain first thing in the morning

• Aching or fatigue in the arch by the end of the day

• Redness, swelling, or pressure over the big toe joint

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

These are signals, not nuisances. Ignoring them can lead to chronic pain and longer recovery times.

3. Daily Habits to Protect Your Feet

Small habits make a big difference. Foot surgeon-approved tips I often recommend:

• Stretch daily, especially your calves and arches

• Wear supportive footwear, even at home

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces

• Listen to pain it’s your body asking for support
  

Consistency matters more than intensity.

4. When It’s Time to Seek Medical Help

If foot pain:

• Persists for more than a few weeks

• Interferes with walking, exercise, or work

• Worsens over time instead of improves

• Causes swelling or changes in foot shape
  

Early care often prevents more invasive treatment later.

5. Prevention and Support with Custom Orthotics

One of the easiest and  most effective tools I use to help patients is support with custom orthotics. Properly fit orthotics:

• Reduce strain on the plantar fascia, ligaments, and tendons 
  

• Support the arch in a neutral position
  

• Ensure proper pressure distribution throughout the foot 
  

• Improve overall foot alignment
  

When your feet are supported correctly, everything above them, knees, hips, and back benefit too.