Bottom Foot Heel Pain

Overview

The most common cause of bottom foot heel pain is an inflammatory condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a result of damage to the plantar fascia, a rubber band-like tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and is responsible for the arch of your foot.

Identification

If you feel sharp pain in the heel of your foot when you get up out of bed or from a seated position and put your foot on the floor, you may have plantar fasciitis.

Significance

Over time, the fatty pad that cushions your heel thins out and is less able to act as a shock absorber. The plantar fascia becomes more rigid and is more easily damaged.

Risk Factors

Aging, excess weight, extended standing, flat feet, high arch and diabetes are all risk factors for developing the bottom foot heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Prevention

You may be able to make lifestyle changes to control some of the risk factors, such as losing weight if necessary, standing less, performing foot-stretching exercises and using orthotic arch supports fitted by a doctor.

Treatment

Ask your doctor if you can use acetaminophen or a non-specific anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to relieve heel pain. Other options include splints, corticosteroid injections and surgery.