Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation from micro-tears in the plantar fascia ligament that attaches the heel bone to the metatarsal bones at the front of your foot. If you have plantar fasciitis, you likely feel a stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel, especially with your first steps in the morning. The pain can ease up throughout the day, the more you walk, unless you spend extended periods standing or sitting. The pain may occur during exercise but typically is more noticeable after you have finished exercising. While sometimes there is no obvious cause of plantar fasciitis, it is usually caused by repetitive strain. As such, it is quite common for dedicated long-distance runners to experience this painful condition at some point. Other risk factors include those between 40 and 60 years old, obesity structural issues with your feet, such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait, and those who work jobs requiring extended hours walking or standing on hard surfaces.