Many people experience sharp heel pain immediately upon waking or after standing for a long time. The pain can sometimes be so intense that even the first few steps can be difficult. This condition is very common and is often associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick layer of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes.
When the foot is subjected to repeated pressure from prolonged standing, excess weight, or wearing uncomfortable shoes, this tissue becomes inflamed and stretched, leading to pain, especially in the morning. During sleep, the foot rests and the tissue stretches slightly. With the first step after waking, the tissue stretches rapidly, causing sharp heel pain.
Other causes of heel pain include:
* Standing for long hours daily
* Walking or running on hard surfaces
* Obesity and being overweight
* Wearing shoes that don’t support the feet
* Aging
* Having foot deformities such as flat feet
Symptoms often include:
* Sharp pain under the heel
* Difficulty walking in the morning
* A burning or pulling sensation in the bottom of the foot
* Increased pain after prolonged standing
