Plantar fasciitis

This is the painful inflammation of the aponeurosis or fascia on the sole of the foot. It mostly affects people aged 40 to 60, although runners may suffer from it at an earlier age. It is caused by a combination of multiple factors: obesity, being on your feet for many hours, overloading the heel, flat shoes and microtrauma. It is characterized by severe pain in the middle of the sole, before the heel. The pain is most severe in the mornings, after periods of inactivity and when doing exercises that overload this area on the sole of the foot. Normal painkillers and/or anti-inflammatories are usually prescribed, together with rest. You are recommended to wear footwear that offers good support and cushioning with a silicone insole or heel. When you start physical activities again, you should stretch your foot and heel prior to exercise.