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Plantar Fasciitis Information:The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain
By Ellen Graves
Reports indicate that up to two million people seek medical care forplantarfasciitis treatmentannually. In fact, it’s typically when suffering from thisparticular heel pain that the term becomes part of one’s vocabulary andfurther information is sought on heel pain causes.Plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, is inflammation of thelong fibrous plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot.Even micro-tears in this band of connective tissue can result in pain andinflammation. Ligaments connect bones to bones (tendons connect musclesto bones) and the plantar fascia ligament runs between the heel bone tounder your toes at the ball of the sole and, ideally, provides a natural archsupport Walking, running, jumping and raising up on tip-toe are allmovements that require the plantar fascia to stretch. The pain of plantar fasciitis is typically in the area where this tremendouslystrong rubber band-like ligament attaches to the calcaneus (heel bone). This pain is usually severe, however it can be mild to moderate and in themilder cases, many people ignore these first symptoms. When severe, thepain is described in terms such as burning, stabbing, bruised bone, likewalking on glass or stepping on tacks. It's very common for the first jolt of pain to be in the morning when stepping out of bed to walk because theligament shortens during the rest. Then, if walking is possible, the pain tendsto diminish as the tissues warm and the ligament stretches out a bit more.However, after overuse or long periods of rest, it presents an encore.Even in cases of excruciating pain, conservative treatment usually works welland surgery or other invasive procedures can be avoided. There are manypaths to healing and unless there is extensive tissue damage requiringsurgery, treating yourself at home on a regular schedule and with appropriatemethods will be important to speed healing.Athletes, especially runners, are prone to plantar fasciitis and in fact, it's
 
often termed "runners heel." Any overuse from excessive running, jumping,hiking (especially up hill) and even a long day of shopping on hard mall floorscan provide enough repetitive pulling on the ligament and lead to tears andinflammation. If proper foot and arch support is also lacking, the vulnerabilityfor injury increases.In addition, there are other risk factors that incline one toward developingplantar fasciitis. The more risk factors you have, of course, the more likelyyou are to step down one morning and yell out from heel pain.Risk factors include:
 Tight calf and achilles tendon
Recent sudden weight gain
Pregnancy
Being over 40 years old
Chronic overuse in athletics or physical training
Increasing a fitness routine to one more intense
Intense occasional sport (such as hiking, tennis)
Intense long period of standing or walking (like a day of shopping)
Being a diabetic
Having arthritis
Having an exaggerated high arch in your foot
Having an exaggerated low arch (fallen arch or flat foot; pronation)
Improper shoes: ill fitting and/or lack of support and cushioning
Dehydration (not drinking enough water, especially during physical activity)
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Matt Cook

One of the best ways to prevent and relieve plantar fasciitis is to wear the right shoes. FootsourceMD's collections of Ziera (http://www.footsourcemd.com/products/... and Orthaheel (http://www.footsourcemd.com/products/... shoes are excellent for staying stylish and free from plantar fasciitis. Check them out. Your feet will thank you.

reply06 / 14 / 2011
5ofthem

Has a good list of risk factors

reply08 / 26 / 2009
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