What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is
a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from your heel bone to the toes. It is
partially responsible for maintaining the arch of your foot. Some things that
can strain the plantar fascia include:

• Sudden increase in activity level


• Being overweight


• Having flat feet or tight calf
       muscles


• Wearing unsupportive shoes or high
       heels


• Prolonged standing


• Pregnancy

When the plantar
fascia is strained, it develops microscopic tears. Scar tissue then forms,
making the fascia even less flexible. If not corrected, a vicious cycle of
tear-heal-tear occurs which results in pain in the arch and heel of the foot. Often
times the pain is most excruciating during your first few steps out of bed,
making you feel much older than you are! 
This is called plantar fasciitis.  Eventually the tension of the fascia pulling
on the bone can cause heel spurs as the body lays down bone to protect itself.

What can I do at
home?

• Wear supportive shoes/orthotic
       inserts


• Lose weight


• Stretch your calf muscles


• Roll your foot on a frozen golf
       ball


• Reduce walking/running until it
       heals, then gradually increase