When individuals begin to experience intense pain in their heel, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. This ailment occurs when the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This results in pain and inflammation of the area closest to the heel bone.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Burning
- Stabbing
- An aching pain in the heel of the foot
The fascia ligament tightens up over night and causes the most pain in the morning. Pain generally decreases as the tissue warms up, but oftentimes returns after long periods of standing or weight bearing and physical activity.
One of the prevalent factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. This includes shoes that either don’t fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. Weight distribution becomes impaired while wearing shoes that are unsupportive adding significantly stress to the plantar fascia ligament.
In most cases, treatment of plantar fasciitis does not require surgery or invasive procedures to stop pain and reverse damage. Traditional treatments, such as wearing supportive shoes or orthotics, are usually all that is required. However, keep in mind that every person's body responds differently and recovery times will vary.
