WMAR — Have you ever gotten out of bed in the morning and you feel a pain in your heel?
It could be plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects the thick band of tissue between your heel and your toes.
Nearly 10% of the population suffers from plantar fasciitis, resulting in more than 1,000,000 doctor visits a year.
Dr. Zachary Farley says numbers are on the rise because more people are spending time sitting or laying down instead of on our feet.
"I have noticed a slight increase in plantar fasciitis as our population becomes more sedentary," said Dr. Farley. "Plantar fasciitis does have a link between sedentary lifestyles and the increase in incidence.”
Women seem to be more at risk for the condition, along with people over 40-years-old, especially if they're overweight.
The condition can also strike those who are very athletic or those who are on their feet a lot.
Dr. Farley says it's sometimes caused by the shoes we wear, like high heels or those with little support.
Besides changing your footwear, treatment can include physical therapy, stretching exercises, night splints, orthotic shoe inserts, over-the-counter pain medication, steroid shots or even surgery as a last resort.
The American Podiatric Medical Association says foot pain is never normal, and if you're having a problem, you should see your doctor.
The APMA even suggests scheduling a visit to see a podiatrist as an annual check-up.
