Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

The most common symptom is stabbing pain near the heel, especially with your first steps in the morning. The pain may decrease as you move around but can return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.

Risk factors include age (most common between 40-60), certain types of exercise (running, ballet, aerobic dance), foot mechanics (flat feet, high arches, abnormal walking pattern), obesity, and occupations that keep you on your feet.

Treatment options include rest, ice, stretching exercises, proper footwear, orthotics, physical therapy, night splints, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Prevention tips: maintain a healthy weight, wear supportive shoes, replace worn athletic shoes, vary your activities, and stretch your arches and Achilles tendon.