When your first few steps out of bed in the morning cause severe pain in the heel of your foot, you may have plantar fasciitis. It’s an overuse injury affecting the sole or flexor surface (plantar) of the foot. A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means you have inflamed the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes.

 You’re more likely to get the condition if you’re a woman, if you’re overweight, or if you have a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces. You’re also at risk if you walk or run for exercise, especially if you have tight calf muscles that limit how far you can flex your ankles.

People with very flat feet or very high arches are also more prone to plantar fasciitis.

The condition starts gradually with mild pain at the heel bone often referred to as a stone bruise. You’re more likely to feel it after (not during) exercise. The pain classically occurs again after arising from a midday lunch break.

If you don’t treat plantar fasciitis, it may become a chronic condition. You may not be able to keep up your level of activity and you may also develop symptoms of foot, knee, hip and back problems because of the way plantar ligament is affected and can lead to a reduction in foot movement.

There are several treatments that can help work with your feet, the fascia and overall circulation to help with foot health. Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Cupping and more are available for your assistance!! Don’t just pop those pills… be proactive in taking care of your feet… they carry you all the way through life!!