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When the symptom is sharp pain heel spurs are not usually the cause, although they may also be present. The most common cause is excessive stretching or flattening of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a long band of thick fibrous tissue that connects to your heels to your toes and normally supports the arch. It is not very flexible. Its primary function is as a shock absorber.

Sharp Heel Pain is Most Likely Plantar Fasciitis
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerome_Kaplan]Jerome Kaplan

When the symptom is sharp pain heel spurs are not usually the cause, although they may also be present. The most common cause is excessive stretching or flattening of the plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia is a long band of thick fibrous tissue that connects to your heels to your toes and normally supports the arch. It is not very flexible. Its primary function is as a shock absorber.

Over time or with repeated abuse and constant stretching, the plantar fascia may tear at the point where it connects to the bone. A small amount of bleeding may occur inside of the foot, which can lead to swelling and complications, such as bone spurs.

The tearing is the cause of sudden, searing sharp pains that are felt when the foot is placed on the floor in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. As a person walks around, the pain usually lessens. But, if the condition progresses, there may be a dull ache or a throbbing feeling that radiates up the back of the leg.

When there is sharp pain heel spurs are often suspected, because they look painful on an X-ray. But spurs actually form to protect the bone from repeated pressure, rubbing or minor injury. They can be present and cause no symptoms, at all.

If the cause is irritation of the plantar fascia, the arch of the foot may be sore, as well. But, the most common complaint is that sudden painful feeling when placing the heels flat on the floor.

Things that irritate the plantar fascia and lead to the flattening or stretching include over-pronation, where the foot turns in as a person is walking or running. Shoes with little or no arch supports aggravate the problem and can even cause it in a person that is on their feet for many hours, per day, whether or not they have a tendency towards pronation.

When there is sharp pain heel pads, cushions or other types of support cannot typically be used in the morning. They require that a person is wearing shoes.

Passive night splints help to prevent morning pain. They are most effective when combined with regular flexibility training and an arch brace, to help prevent the plantar fascia from stretching and flattening.

When you experience   rel=nofollow [http://www.footcareaide.com/104/foot-heel-pain/]sharp pain heel areas should be fully protected. Shoes with low, tight or non-padded areas should not be worn. Flip-flops and flat sandals should be avoided, because they have no arch support.

High heels and cowboy boots are bad choices for footwear. When worn on a regular basis, those kinds of shoes cause irritation of the plantar fascia.

Rest and ice may be helpful, as long as you make an effort to prevent irritation from recurring. Irritation of the plantar fascia, which is often referred to as plantar fasciitis can be treated, but consistency is required for best results.

Anyone that suffers from sharp pain heel discomfort or painful arches should take action to address the problem. It only gets worse with time and surgical correction is not a good option.

Jerome Kaplan has 30 plus years of experience in the retail foot health products business. He approaches foot health from a preventative standpoint by recommending over-the-counter, affordable solutions that provide relief for most foot conditions. Visit his site to learn more: http://www.FootCareAide.com

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