Yay me, I think I have Plantar Fascitis

Whine alert... you have been warned.

I have been having this heel pain for about a week now. No matter how much I stretch it out, it's actually only getting worse. So I asked Dr. Google what it is and how to fix it. Here's what it came back with:

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of localized and is the most common foot problem seen in medical practices. More than 2.5 million new cases of plantar fasciitis are reported each year.Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament structure that supports the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It plays an important part in the normal foot mechanics during walking and running.Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained as a result of increased or over activity, poor foot biomechanics, or in association with the normal aging process. The ligament is typically strained repeatedly, over time before the onset of plantar fasciitis. As the ligament stretches beyond its normal extension it causes the soft tissues of the fascia to tear, usually at the point where attached to the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, heel pain, and possible growth of a bone spur (calcaneus) at the heel bone attachment.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:
Increased or athletic activity
Running, jumping, walking or standing on hard or uneven surfaces
Flat feet or high arched, rigid feet
Poor supporting shoes
Large weight gain, pregnancy or overweight (ok so the 45 pounds I've gained is starting to take it's toll on my body, apparently)
Tight plantar fascia ligament or Achilles tendon
Normal aging

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
Starts as a dull, intermittent heel pain or arch pain, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain.
A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking.
Tightness in calf muscles or Achilles tendon.
Noticeable heel pain after long periods of standing or walking.
Heel pain worsens when climbing stairs or standing on the toes.
Heel pain lessens with activity but returns during rest.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with relatively simple conservative methods. Only in rare cases is surgery actually necessary. Conservative methods such as a combination of night splints, rest and ice, orthotics, and stretching exercises have been repeatedly proven to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis.

OK, whine over...