Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps in the morning but can also be triggered by long periods of standing or rising from sitting.
Though plantar fasciitis can occur without an obvious cause, factors that can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis include age (most common between the ages of 40 and 60); certain types of exercise such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance; foot mechanics; and occupations that keep you on your feet.
Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that interrupts your regular activities. Changing the way you walk to minimize plantar fasciitis pain might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
