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Dr. Wendy Cunningham
The most common cause of foot pain, affecting approximately 10 percent of the population, is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a structure located at the bottom of the heel bone that travels up to the toes. Its main job is to help maintain the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis (PF) denotes an inflammation of the plantar tendon, which is a layer of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot. When it is inflamed, it can cause a sharp pain under the heel that is worse with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Risk factors include overuse, an unusual increase in activity level, standing for long periods of time, and excessive weight gain. It can also be caused by improper footwear like high heels, worn out running shoes, or any footwear that does not provide adequate support for the feet. Inflexibility or weakness in the calf and foot could also cause the problem. In fact, any movement that causes a pull on the plantar tendon has the potential to result in painful stabbing sensations in the heel.
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