Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis typically presents with stabbing on the bottom of the heel while standing and walking. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps in the morning out of bed. It can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you stand up from sitting.

What causes it?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue (called fascia) that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes, with the thickest band going into the base of your big toe. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking.

As we stand, walk and run, there is tension, pressure, and stress on the fascia. When the tension and stress is too high over a period of time, there is repeated stretching and pressure on the band which causes it to be irritated and injured.

Risk factors:

• Activity. Activities that place high stress and load on your heel and the plantar fascia – such as running, hiking, dancing – can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis. This is especially so if there is a sudden increase in your activity level.
• Foot mechanics. Flat feet, high arch feet, atypical walking gait can affect the way load is distributed when you’re standing and walking and can put increased stress on the plantar fascia.
• Weight gain. Increased weight places extra stress on your plantar fascia when you stand, walk and run.
• Occupations that keep you on your feet. Sales persons, teachers, factory workers and others who spend long working hours standing and walking on hard surfaces can be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.