What it may mean: Plantar fasciitis You can’t mistake that specific ache — sharp pain in the bottom of the heel when you get out of bed or stand up from a chair. It’s a strain of the ligament that supports the foot arch. And whether you did it by wearing tight shoes, walking in flip-flops all the time, or wearing worn-out workout sneakers, the longer you let it go, the longer it takes to heal and the pain only gets worse.
Podiatrists suggest you ease up on your workout at first and take more rest days to let the arch heel. Also, rethink your footwear, and adopt a good stretching post-workout routine.
Numbness: What it may mean: Peripheral neuropathy or a pinched nerve. Numbness is never a good sign in any part of the body and numbness in both the feet is known as peripheral neuropathy, caused most commonly by diabetes or as a side-effect of strong chemotherapy.
If you’re experiencing neuroma or numbness in only one foot, it could be due to a pinched nerve in the foot, ankle or back. That’s most likely caused by years of wearing tight shoes. Yes, we are most likely referring to stiletto devotees.
