Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed).
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their
feet a lot, like athletes. It happens in one foot or both feet. Some causes are:
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Your feet roll inward too much when you walk.
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You have high arches or flat feet.
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You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
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You wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.
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You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.
Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps. But your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.