Plantar faciitis and heel pain causes are related to several possible reasons. Plantar faciitis is the tearing and subsequent inflammation of the plantar fascia ligaments on the bottom of the foot, which in turn causes foot pain. Or when repeated stress and strain occur on the heel bone and surrounding soft tissue, the body tries to protect itself by forming a bone spur.

Plantar fasciitis pain is often felt at the front part of the heel on the bottom of the foot. The pain spreads along the bottom of the foot towards the toes. If the ligaments of the foot bottom have tightened up overnight due to inflammation, putting your weight on your foot to walk as you get out of bed in the morning becomes painful. The foot area that is tight is stretched as you put your weight on your foot, which causes a 'hot' pain that runs along the heel toward the toes. Or you may find that plantar faciitis heel pain is only a problem after being stationary for a while, or late in the day or while doing certain kinds of activity.

Here are common plantar faciitis and heel pain causes and related conditions:

1. Physical Injury to the Foot, Arch or Heel - running, jogging or walking can result in injury to the foot which in turn becomes inflammed.

2. Excessive Walking, Standing or Exercise - once a plantar faciitis problem begins, being on your feet more leads to additional tearing in the fascia. And tearing in the fascia area leads to inflammation and pain.

3. Obesity - you may have even gained weight since your heel pain began because of less activity. Excess weight transmits more stress to the plantar fascia area, causing plantar faciitis pain.

4. Poorly Fitting, Hard-Soled Uncomfortable Shoes - leather shoes may look great but can be uncomfortable for your feet. Well-made, good-fitting rubber-heeled shoes will better cushion the impact of the heel striking the surface and can help reduce heel pain.

5. Calcium Deposits - abnormal calcium deposits can form on the bottom of the foot resulting in foot pain.

Persons suffering from muscle inflammation, gout, lupus, alkalosis, arthritis or tendonitis seem to have a tendency for plantar faciitis problems and heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis pain can be somewhat annoying or it can become serious enough to be disabling. If you have experienced this type of heel pain, you know how debilitating it can be. However, understanding heel pain causes can help you know how to find relief. Foot surgery should always be considered the very last resort. There are proven ways you can treat plantar faciitis and reduce heel pain.

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