‘I’d get out of bed, and oh boy, there it is’: what to know about plantar fasciitis
The ligament that connects your foot bones can cause severe heel pain when inflamed. Here’s how to avoid that
TL;DR
- Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament connecting heel to toes that supports the foot's arch.
- Symptoms include heel pain that worsens after rest and improves with movement.
- Causes include sudden activity increases, prolonged standing, weight gain, and repetitive stress.
- Prevention involves strengthening foot muscles, stretching calves and Achilles tendons, gradual activity increases, and proper footwear.
- Most cases resolve with rest, activity modification, and exercises; persistent pain may require physical therapy, injections, or rarely, surgery.