A severe pain like a stabbing pain in the heel when you first wake up in the morning and stomp your feet on the ground is a major problem faced by many people today. This pain may feel a little relieved after walking for a while, but the pain often worsens when you get up after sitting for a long time. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind this pain that affects the muscles and bones of the bottom of the foot:
Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most important cause of heel pain. The ‘Plantar Fascia’ is a thick fibrous tissue under the foot that connects the sole of our foot and the toes. It provides support to the feet like an arch. The small scratches and inflammation that occur in this fiber due to excessive pressure cause severe heel pain.
Heel Spur: When plantar fasciitis is chronic, the body builds up calcium on the heel bone to protect the muscles in that area, creating a small, pointed bone growth. This is called a ‘heel spur’. This sharp point presses on the surrounding tissues when walking, which increases the pain.
Obesity and prolonged standing: As you gain weight, the pressure on your feet doubles when you walk and stand. In addition, those who stand on hard floors for long periods of time, such as teachers, security guards, and kitchen workers, can quickly damage the fibers in your feet.
Wearing the wrong shoes: Wearing flat footwear that does not provide proper arch support, shoes with thick soles, or high heels can cause unnecessary strain on the heel muscles and lead to pain.
Increased uric acid and other diseases: In a condition where uric acid levels in the blood are too high (gout), crystals of this acid can accumulate in the joints of the feet, causing severe pain and swelling. People with chronic diabetes, thyroid deficiency, and rheumatoid arthritis are also more likely to experience foot pain.