Plantar Fasciitis is swelling and irritation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that starts at your heel and goes along the bottom of your foot. It works like a rubber band between the heel and the ball of your foot to form the arch of your foot. A pad of fat in your heel covers the plantar fascia to help absorb the shock of walking. Damage to the plantar fascia can be painful and make walking more difficult. Some people describe the pain like a nail was being driven into their heel. The pain is strongest first thing in the morning (just getting out of bed), and walking on tile or hard wood floors is painful.
What are some risk factors?
Obesity
Repetitive loading on the feet
Tight Achilles tendon
Sudden trauma to the foot
Shoes with poor arch support
What can you do to relieve the pain and swelling?
Rest (try to get off your feet)
Use Ice
Massage
Use heel cushions in your shoes
Stretch (see pics below)
