Do you feel pain in the heel of your foot when you first get out of bed in the morning? How about late at night? You might have something called plantar fasciitis. In this WLTX interview, Dr. Paul Bearden of Lexington Podiatry, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice, talks about the condition and how Lexington Podiatry can help patients feel better.

The plantar fascia in a ligament on the bottom of your foot. It can get tiny tears in its fibers that become inflammed and cause pain. Some patients experience difficulty putting weight on their heel. Over time, the pain can become worse.

Women tend to report more cases of plantar fasciitis than men. That could be because of poor shoe choices or having smaller feet. People who stand a lot at work, athletes and people who carry extra weight may also develop the condition.

Sometimes, it can go away on its own. Other times, it gradually gets worse and becomes a chronic condition.

At Lexington Podiatry, doctors can work with patients on stretching exercises and good arch support in shoes and orthodics. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.