Question

I have pain in my right leg, sometimes to the point that it hurts to walk. It seems to start in my ankle - sometimes only one and sometimes both. I stand all day in my job, do you think that could be it? It hurts especially in the mornings. This has been going on for about a month. What do you think could be the cause?

Answer

People that stand a lot on their job, such as waiters, waitresses, convenience food and department store cashiers, can get a foot problem called plantar fasciitis.

A few things lead me to suggest this to you, as first you state that you stand all day at your work, and you have trouble first getting up in the morning. This morning pain is quite common in plantar fasciitis.

The plantar ligament is the broad ligament that is on the underside of your foot going from your heel bone to the ball of your foot. When this is stressed all day it can hurt. When no activity is done - say sitting in a chair, sleeping, or not up on your feet for a while - this broad ligament tends to contract and get smaller. When you arise or get out of bed to walk the ligament now has to "stretch" and this is what causes the pain. Repeated problems with plantar fasciitis can lead to a heel spur.

Without a good examination I can only guess that this is the cause. Do a search on the Internet looking for plantar fasciitis (or see link below) and see if you have all of the symptoms of this common foot problem. If you do I'm sure that you will find some foot exercises that can help. Remember to always wear good supportive shoes while at work and use a padded foot area to cushion your work space if possible.

If, of course, this continues to bother you and/or it doesn't seem to be a plantar fasciitis, please go to you see your family doctor for a diagnosis and referral.

Links

• HealthLink: Plantar Fasciitis