Do you experience intense heel pain when you take your first step in the morning?

If you do, chances are high that you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and intense heel pain in the morning is one of the conditions of this illness.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of heel pain problems developed in most people. (including myself!) Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition caused by excessive wear and tear to the plantar fascia area of a person's foot.

The pains associate with a plantar fasciitis problem is usually felt on the underside of the heel and very often is most intense and painful when you begin your day - the time when you stand up from your bed after a night sleep. The pain will also resurface after a period of rest and inactivity.

While women are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis, it affects many who are overweight and plump. You are also at risk of getting plantar fasciitis if you holds a job that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surface for long period of time.

Resting your feet off the weight of your body is the primary method of plantar fasciitis treatment. Since many foot injuries are a result of muscles and tendon imbalances, stretching some of your muscle groups apart from strengthening can help to alleviate your heel pain problems.

Your stretching exercises should concentrate on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles group. These exercises can be done at the comfort of your home to treat the condition and lessening the chance of recurrence plantar fasciitis pain.

Exercise 1: Bend 1 leg forward in a semi-lunge position and thrust the other leg straight back. Hold the position for a minute and switch leg.

Exercise 2: Stand on a step and balance on the balls of your feet with your heels hanging over the edge. Drop your heels below the step and hold for a minute.

In the more serious cases where conservative treatment cannot help cure your heel pain, your doctor may inject steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroid) into your heels or recommend casting your affected foot in a short leg cast. When all else fail a surgery might be needed to release your ligament to improve your condition.