So often heel pain is dismissed by non-sufferers as just a pain in the foot. If only they knew of the searing pain that can be experienced if you are unfortunate enough to become a victim

The sad fact is that it is one of those things that creeps up on you and the early warnings can be missed. It is not like a sudden sprain or break in a limb. Instead,it's a gradual breakdown of tissue.

Heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis are not necessarily the same thing although any heel pain is likely to be caused by the latter. Various causes of heel pain are known many of which are not fully understood. Although there are many different apparent causes of heel pain, the usual culprit is plantar fasciitis (plantar fash-ee -eye-tis).

The plantar fascia is a broad, flat ligament that runs along the underside of the foot from the heel to the front of the foot. The foot derives support from this.

Plantar Fasciitis heel pain can appear in all age groupsbut is commoner in people of advanced years and in those of us who are overweight.

There are other possible causes of foot pain such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, but Plantar Fasciitis probably makes up about 95 percent of the cases of severe heel pain. Quite often shoes are thought to be the cause. Although shoes often play a part, the cause in a particular case can be elusive.

Common triggers for heel pain or plantar fasciitis include the following.

Obesity.

Tight calf muscles.

The Achilles Tendon is two tight.

Stress in the instep.

Running or other exercise without warming up.

Unsuitable footwear.

An extended walk.

Plantar fasciitis heel pain is frequently felt at the front of the heel and the pain then spreads along the underside of the foot towards the big toe.

A searing pain in the heel when standing after a period of lying down is one of the signs of this illness. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer this, then the chances are high that you have joined the ranks of those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.

Some of the first steps to relieving heel pain can be as simple as stretching your foot before getting out of bed in the morning. It is also essential to ensure that footwear is of the correct design and sufficiently supportive for whatever you intend participating in.

A variety of gentle calf and Achilles Tendon stretches can also ease early stage heel pain.

Reduce, or avoid altogether activities that increase the discomfort. This should be approached sensibly. Some common everyday activities such as climbing a staircase and walking are not possible to avoid. Whilst strenuous pursuits that involve running or lifting need to be suspended. All of these can make the degree of pain in the heel worse.

Plantar fasciitis is the most usual type of heel pain and is an important manifestation of a physical disability that renders the exercise; that is so important for weight loss, impossible.

Most of the time, heel problems Do not directly cause obesity. There is no doubt though, that relieving heel pain can be a major contribution to weight loss and better health for a large number of people. If you have plantar fasciitis, you must discontinue running and minimise walking until you are no longer in pain.

When you resume your running program, you must commence to just jog very slowly each day until you feel a little discomfort. You must then cease for 24 hours.

Exercise is important for everybody. It is incredibly galling to reach a good level of fitness only to be laid low by something as simple as heel pain. In view of this, it is essential to build up to your full program over time.