Plantar Fasciitis
Do you suffer from intense heel or arch pain? It could be Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a very painful injury, and the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom surface of the foot connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Excessive stretching of the tissue while running or walking can cause tiny tears that lead to irritation, inflammation and pain on the bottom of the heel, the arch of the foot or both locations. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause other conditions like heel spurs. Our heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. Plantar fasciitis is most painful with your first steps in the morning or after a long rest because the plantar fascia contract and become less flexible while you are off your feet. Just like muscle tissue, the plantar fascia contracts and becomes less flexible when it is cold and inactive. The pain may decrease as the day progresses and the plantar fascia is stretched and warmed up with use. However, the pain may return after long periods of standing, walking or running. This is especially common if you are wearing shoes with inadequate arch support.
- Intense pain in the heel and/or arch (of one foot or both)
- Pain with first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest
Over-pronation, or excessive rolling inward of the foot while walking, is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis.
- Excessive rolling inward of the foot or over-pronation
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
- Flat feet or high arches
- Improperly fitted shoes
- Inadequate arch support
- Standing, walking or running for long periods
- Excess body weight
