Plantar fasciitis is most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar facia is inflamed, it causes a sharp stabbing pain in the foot, when you get up and take your first few steps in the morning.

As you begin to move around, the pain usually decreases, but may return after a long period of standing, or when you stand up after sitting. Self-help protocols include foot massage, and putting ice on painful areas.

At this stage there is no clear root cause of plantar fasciitis, but studies have shown that is more common in joggers, long distance runners, and people who are very overweight.