Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition of the heel. Over 2 million Americans suffer from this uncomfortable condition, which is caused by the breakdown of the heel area or an injury to the foot. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot. It is the shock absorber protecting your delicate foot bones from impact. When the strain is too much, the tissue can tear, which leads to inflammation. The pain is stabbing in nature and is most common when getting out of bed in the morning. After walking for a little while, the plantar area stretches, and the pain is relieved. It can come back if you are on your feet for too long or do too much during the day. People who run tend to get plantar fasciitis or those who have flat feet and do not wear shoes with good support. It can affect one or both feet and the pain is most severe first thing in the morning. Activity can make it worse or standing on the feet for long periods. This article can help you understand more about this condition, how it is treated, and some helpful tips to relieve discomfort.
The onset of plantar fasciitis may have little to no symptoms at all. It may just feel like a slight bruise to the heel and slight pain. Many people ignore the pain when it is mild and do not seek treatment. This can lead to severe inflammation of the area with stabbing pain to the heel. The pain is most severe when you take your first step in the morning, after exercise, and after sitting or standing for long periods. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Pain that continues for months
- A swollen heel
- A tight Achilles tendon
- Increased pain after exercise