Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia (a dense ligament running along the arch of the foot) — a common cause of heel pain in runners, especially sharp during the first steps after sleep.
In detail
The classic sign is sharp pain during the first steps in the morning, which eases somewhat after warming up, but can return after a long run or standing. Risk factors include a sharp increase in running volume, insufficient arch support in footwear, weakness of the lower leg and foot muscles, and excess weight.
How to use it
Treatment usually requires patience (weeks to months): calf and plantar fascia stretching, foot muscle strengthening, temporarily reducing running volume, and sometimes changing footwear — completely stopping activity is usually not necessary, but intensity should be reduced.