Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Your foot has a thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that stretches across the bottom of your foot. This thick band connects your heel bone to your toes.

The plantar fascia acts as a natural shock absorber for your feet, supporting the arch. Any repeated tension or stress can create tiny tears that can lead to inflammation and excruciating pain. This is called Plantar Fasciitis (or heel-pain syndrome).

Sufferers of plantar fasciitis experience throbbing, searing, or piercing pain on the heel of their foot. If you have it, it feels like you’re walking on a stone. The pain is usually worse first thing in the morning, after sitting for long periods of time, or after strenuous exercise.

The most common risk factors and causes of plantar fasciitis:

• Flat feet or high arch
• Wearing shoes that are worn out or have thin soles
• Wearing high-heeled shoes
• Age
• Obesity
• Short Achilles tendon