Heel pain typically characterizes plantar fasciitis, most commonly in the first steps of the morning or after prolonged sitting, and may accompany sharp pain in the medial plantar calcaneal region. It can also lead to increased stiffness, and, for many sufferers, it can affect their day-to-day activities, how they walk and can lead to the development of a myriad of other health problems.
What are the signs that i might develop plantar fasciitis?
In a healthy adult, the plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot. If the tension on the bowstring becomes too great, you can develop small tears in the fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed, which can lead to a shooting pain in the heel, with the first steps of the day or after periods of rest.
Ignoring a bout of plantar fasciitis can result in chronic heel pain that may become disruptive to your regular activities. If you try to compensate for your heel pain by changing the way you walk, you may also develop knee, hip, back, and other foot problems.
As such, it’s important to recognize the signs that you may be at risk for developing plantar fasciitis and that you seek medical attention if you believe that you are experiencing the symptoms:
Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, you are at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This risk factor can be explained by the added weight putting increased pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments, especially in cases of rapid weight gain. Women who are pregnant often experience plantar fasciitis, particularly during late pregnancy.