One of the most common causes of pain in a person’s heel is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is inflammation and pain in a band of tissue known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects the bone in your heel to your toes and is located on the bottom of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis usually occurs first thing in the morning, when you experience pain after taking the first steps out of bed. The pain of this condition usually subsides after a few minutes, but could return if you stand for a long period of time or when you stand up after being seated.

Many runners have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is also common in those who are overweight, as well as people who wear shoes with improper support.

The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Normally your plantar fascia absorbs shocks, which also acts to support your foot’s arch. If the tension in your plantar fascia becomes too great to handle, you could get small tears in that area. With repeated tearing and stretching, the fascia then becomes irritated and inflamed.

The Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Some of the risk factors of plantar fasciitis include the following symptoms:

1. Exercise: Some exercises can cause undue stress on your plantar fascia, such as long distance running, cardio and ballet.
2. Advanced Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
3. Weight: Being overweight can place undue pressure on your fascia.
4. Flawed Mechanics: A high arch, walking abnormally, and being flat footed can affect the way weight is distributed on your foot, adding pressure to your fascia.
5. Standing for Long Periods of Time: Jobs that require you to stand for a prolonged period of time can do damage to your plantar fascia.

The Complications of Plantar Fasciitis

Delaying treatment can result in constant heel pain that could adversely affect your daily activities. Changing the way that you walk (to minimize pain) can give you back, knee, foot and hip issues.

Treatments

Many people with plantar fasciitis get better with conservative treatment plans. Treatments include wearing night splints and orthotics, physical therapy, and pain relievers such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Steroid shots, shock wave therapy, and surgery may be recommended if the conservative treatments don’t work.