Multiple sclerosis can cause neurological changes like weakness and decreased coordination and balance. Changes in the way your body moves may increase the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurological condition. “Demyelinating” means the loss of the protective sheath around nerves in your central nervous system. It can cause many problems throughout your body, such as:

  • vision changes
  • weakness
  • numbness
  • walking problems

Neurological changes in people with MS may indirectly contribute to the development of foot problems like plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the thick layer of tissue on the bottom of your foot.

Read on to learn about how MS may contribute to plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.

MS affects the nerves in your central nervous system, comprised of your brain and spinal cord. It doesn’t directly affect your feet, but the effects of MS on your movement can contribute to certain foot problems.

Plantar fasciitis occurs in about 10.5 people per 1,000 per year. It’s especially common in some populations like runners. Other risk factors include:

  • limited ankle dorsiflexion (the ability to move your toes toward your shin)
  • higher body mass index
  • standing for prolonged periods

Some of the biomechanical changes in people with MS may predispose them to plantar fasciitis.

Some people with MS experience changes to their body that may make them more prone to develop foot problems. For example, neurological changes may lead to increased loading on your:

  • heel
  • balls of the feet
  • toes

People with MS can also develop other problems that may make them prone to feet problems, such as:

Increased plantar flexion, or pointing one’s toe toward the ground more than is typical, has been associated with an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis usually causes pain on the bottom of your foot around your heel and the arch of your foot. Typical symptoms can include:

  • stabbing pain first thing in the morning
  • pain that improves after moving
  • pain that gets worse at the end of the day

Pain often starts or worsens after periods of increased weight-bearing activity like an increase in running.

Some people with MS develop erythromelalgia, also called “hot feet,” where your feet feel hot and swollen for no obvious reason or after activities like walking. Some people may also develop other foot problems, such as:

  • foot drop (difficulty lifting your toes)
  • increased trips and falls
  • gait problems
  • numbness and tingling

A doctor will likely start the diagnosis process by asking you about your new symptoms or changes in your previously existing symptoms. They’ll also likely perform a physical exam where they might check your:

  • reflexes
  • strength
  • sensation

It’s important to get medical attention if you develop neurological symptoms that could be a sign of MS or another neurological condition. MS often develops between the ages of 20 and 50.

Plantar fasciitis treatment

Many home remedies can potentially help reduce pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Remedies might include:

  • resting your foot and raising your foot when possible
  • putting an ice pack in a towel and applying it to your foot for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • wearing footwear with good arch support
  • using insoles or heel pads in your shoes
  • performing gentle stretches
  • switching to low impact exercises like swimming
  • taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • losing weight, if you’re overweight

Your doctor may prescribe pain medications, physical therapy, or a procedure if these home remedies aren’t effective.

Erythromelalgia treatment

Treatment for erythromelalgia might include:

  • avoiding triggers like certain foods or fabrics
  • keeping your affected body part cool with ice packs or fans
  • prescription lidocaine or capsaicin creams to reduce pain
  • oral medications like:
    • pain relievers
    • anti-inflammatories
    • antidepressants
  • medications administered through an IV

What diseases are associated with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is more common in people with some underlying health conditions like diabetes and some autoimmune diseases.

What autoimmune diseases cause plantar fasciitis?

Some autoimmune immune diseases can cause heel pain that may mimic that of plantar fasciitis, such as ankylosing spondylitis.

What does MS foot pain feel like?

MS can cause different types of foot pain, such as erythromelalgia. Erythromelalgia is a painful MS symptom characterized by a swollen and burning foot sensation.

Why does my plantar fasciitis flare up?

Plantar fasciitis often flares up during periods of increased physical activity, such as when you start a new running program or increase your distance.

What causes MS foot pain when walking?

Pain may occur when walking if you have MS due to nerve damage or biomechanical changes. Some type of foot conditions cause increased pain with movement, while others cause pain that improves with movement.

MS can cause many changes to your body due to the loss of the protective layer of fatty tissue (myelin) around the nerves in your spinal cord and brain. Many people with multiple sclerosis experience biomechanical problems that may predispose them to problems like plantar fasciitis.

It’s important to see your doctor if you’ve previously been diagnosed with MS and your symptoms are getting worse. It’s also a good idea to see a doctor if you haven’t been previously diagnosed but start to develop symptoms like unexplained vision loss.