Foot Facts: Plantar Fasciitis

 

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This condition often manifests as stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.

 

Symptoms:

• Pain when standing or walking, especially after rest

• Sharp pain in the heel area that diminishes as activity progresses

• Pain in the medial arch towards the heel

 

Caused By:

• Overuse

• Footwear with insufficient support

• Straining of the long ligament along the bottom of the foot

• Stress fractures

• Lack of medial support

 

 

Recommendations:

• Try not to go barefoot

• Wear footwear with a heel of at least 1.5”

• Ice and stretch plantar surface

• Take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication

• Wear orthotic with medial arch support