Plantar fasciitis is a problem in the feet which affects the ligament which runs from the heel to the front foot. This is probably the most common causes of pain in the heel and foot which creates a sharp pain you might experience with the initial steps getting out of bed each day. As soon as your foot warms up the discomfort will in most cases improve. On the other hand, just after standing on the feet for very long durations, or sitting down for lengthy periods after which standing up again, the pain sensation comes back. The pain originates from the plantar fascia, or extended thin ligament which is immediately beneath the skin of your feet and attaches the heel to the front of the foot. The purpose is to secure the arch of the foot.

Probably the most frequent causes of the pain is foot arch disorders. Individuals with flat feet or who have very arched feet might both experience a greater risk of this pain because the plantar fascia is abnormally stretched or tight to offer the shock absorption to the feet. Overpronation when running and walking also will make the foot to flatten unusually in the course of activity. Structural conditions of the feet may result in overpronation and stretching out of the plantar fascia. These issues include ankle equinus (restricted ankle motion), forefoot invertus, leg length discrepancies and tibia varum (slight bow legs). Long-distance runners or people that quickly change the volume of miles they may be running – like runners, football players, basketball athletes or weekend warriors – are at threat for plantar fasciitis as a result of sudden difference in mileage or intensity. Shoes which do not provide the correct arch support to the feet – especially for all those who have collapsed arches – could raise the risk of acquiring the ailment. Unexpected putting on weight as with pregnancy, or people who are obese or overweight may also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.

During diagnosis and while prescribing treatment for plantar fasciitis  your podiatrist might decide that your calf muscles are restricted. This tight tendon will also place excessive stress on the plantar fascia while increasing potential risk of development in addition to slow the treatment from plantar fasciitis. A tight calf muscle or Achilles tendon will provide an environment where there is high velocity pronation which causes a repeated overstretching of the plantar fascia. The discomfort from the ailment normally develops slowly and gradually over time instead of abruptly. Your podiatrist might also want to take x-rays or bone scan of your foot to make sure that the bone hadn't separated, so you were also experiencing a stress fracture of the calcaneus.