Your heels are the largest of the 26 bones in each of your feet. In many ways, your heel is the “backbone” of your foot; it provides the strength, support, and balance necessary for your feet to do their jobs properly. Given the heel’s hefty and constant workload, it’s no surprise that problems will often develop, especially as we age. Heel pain and discomfort can make every step a challenge, and one of the most common reasons behind such troubles is a condition called plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue which runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a biomechanical condition caused by immense and ongoing pressure that damages that tissue and causes inflammation, pain, or stiffness at the sole.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Common among runners, plantar fasciitis often appears as a stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the front or center of the heel. This pain is usually at its peak right after waking up in the morning and taking the first steps of the day but can also increase in intensity after standing or sitting for a long time.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is most often the result of a repetitive strain injury to the ligament of the sole of the foot. Excessive or intense running or walking, inadequate footwear, rapid weight gain, prolonged standing and sitting, or recent changes in activity can all increase the risk of developing the condition. Certain underlying medical conditions, such as reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, can also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Heel Pain? Call the Hollywood, Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWSpodiatry Today
No one should have to live with heel pain and discomfort – and you don’t need to. If you are experiencing heel pain or other symptoms that may indicate that you have plantar fasciitis, please reach out to the foot and ankle specialists of JAWSpodiatry today. We offer a range of advanced and effective surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat heel problems, and our podiatrists provide exceptional patient care that can get you back on your feet quickly. Please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
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