A closer look at Heel Pain

The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel spur syndrome. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a tight band of fibrous tissue starting at the heel, traveling across the arch, and fanning toward the toes. Heel spurs generally occur when the inflexible fascia is repeatedly stressed or the tissue is torn causing inflammation. Chronic heel pain is typically the result of an overload of physical activity or exercise causing the plantar to lose its elasticity.

Most sufferers complain of a burning sensation or an aching pain in the heel of the foot, especially in the morning.  The fascia ligaments tighten up at night while we are resting and the pain diminishes. Pressure is placed on the ligaments when we get out of bed causing the excruciating pain to return. The pain decreases throughout the day since the tissue has warmed up, but will come back fairly quickly if standing for long periods of time or heavy physical activity.