Do you experience severe pain in the heel and arch upon standing after periods of rest (ie. first steps in the morning)? Feelings of having a ‘stone bruised’ heel? The initial pain often settles once you start moving only to return throughout the day. You may have plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is possibly one of the most common foot conditions treated by Podiatrists. With the exception of trauma, it is the most frequent cause of chronic pain in the heel. The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue that attaches the heel to the ball of the foot and performs a vital support role in retaining the arch structure.
Along with faulty biomechanics, the plantar fascia and the heel bone can be overloaded by poorly constructed footwear, being overweight, or a change in activity levels – whether sporting, occupational or at home. Inflammation is only rarely observed and so the condition should probably just be called “plantar heel pain”, because “itis” denotes the presence of inflammation. In this regard, anti-inflammatory agents (eg. Ibuprofen) will not help the condition long term.
The absolute key to treatment is to seek the earliest possible expert help!