What is plantar fasciitis?

A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. According to the Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis manifests as a stabbing pain that accompanies your first steps in the morning. Normally, the pain will decrease as you continue to move, but it can return following extended periods of standing or when you stand after a sitting for a while. Plantar fasciitis is most common in runners, people are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support.

Risk factors

• Age. The condition is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.

• Engaging in certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue (long-distance running, ballet dancing, aerobic dance) can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.

• Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.

• Obesity. Excess weight puts more stress on your plantar fascia.

• Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who walk or stand on hard surfaces throughout the day can damage the plantar fascia. The Mayo Clinic recommends patients with foot pain see their doctor, as ignoring plantar fasciitis and/or altering the way you walk in order to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis can result in foot, knee, hip or back problems.