Ouch!

For the past month or two, I've been dealing with pain in my feet, mostly in my left foot. I've just been dealing with the pain hoping it goes away. I've finally come to terms that I probably need to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. I'm thinking it might be plantar faciitis.

What exactly is plantar faciitis? Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)

• Obesity or sudden weight gain

• Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces

• Sudden weight gain

• Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)

• Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis most often affects active men ages 40 - 70. It is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

• In the morning when you take your first steps

• After standing or sitting for a while

• When climbing stairs

• After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

I have yet to make an appointment for fear that I may have to stay off my feet. I know, pretty dumb of me and I'm probably not helping my heel at all. After reading what may cause this -- I have to say that it probably is happening to me because I have flat feet, I've put on some weight, I wear shoes the wrong shoes -- basically I go for the look and not what supports my feet.

Well, that's my own personal diagnosis. Hopefully within the next week, I'll be brave and make an appointment. Until then, hello ibuprofen - my new best friend.