Pain
When pain slows your new walking regimen
Here’s what to do if you experience these aches on your walk.
You’ve laced up your sneakers for the first time in months, and you’re ready to get fit. But pain creeps into the routine soon after you start it. Don’t chalk it up to being out of shape. Get to know some of the aches that can occur, potential causes, and what you can do about them to keep walking.
Heel pain
Two conditions commonly cause heel pain. One is plantar fasciitis, an overstretching of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports the arch of the foot. Tiny tears often occur where the fascia meets the heel bone. The other condition that can cause heel pain is a heel spur — a small growth of the heel bone that can irritate the plantar fascia.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
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