Plantar Fasciitis is the term for when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a long ligament that supports the arch of the foot, running along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the forefoot. The proper function of this ligament is to naturally stretch as you place your foot on the ground. With each step, the same process occurs. However, when Plantar Fasciitis becomes an issue, stepping down on your foot may cause sharp pain or even a dull aching. To differ this from a regular cramping, Plantar Fasciitis is worsened when force of pressure is applied to the ligament in an attempt to get rid of it.
The causes of Plantar Fasciitis can be from abnormal walking, sudden increase of exercise or other physical activity, excessive weight applied on the foot, or improper fitting footwear. People who have arch problems such as flat feet or unusually high foot arch are susceptible to Plantar Fasciitis. Usually after resting, those who tend to jump out of bed and place immediate pressure on the ligament can experience Plantar Fasciitis. This condition can be prevented by avoiding running on hard or uneven ground, excessive weight change, or wearing proper shoes. Also, those who have flat feet can wear orthotics that support the foot arch so over-stretching of the ligament can be less likely.
