Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that results in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.

 

The pain is usually most severe with the first steps of the day or following a period of rest  Pain is also frequently brought on by bending the foot and toes up towards the shin and may be worsened by a tight Achilles tendon.

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The condition typically comes on slowly. In about a third of people both legs are affected. The causes of plantar fasciitis are not entirely clear. Risk factors include overuse such as from long periods of standing, an increase in exercise and obesity. It is also associated with inward rolling of the foot and a lifestyle that involves little exercise.

 

While heel spurs are frequently found, it is unclear if they have a role in causing the condition. Plantar fasciitis is a disorder of the insertion site of the ligament on the bone characterised by micro tears, breakdown of collagen, and scarring.

 

Other conditions with similar symptoms include osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, heel pad syndrome, and reactive arthritis.

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Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve with time and conservative methods of treatment. Usually for the first few weeks people are advised to rest, change their activities, take pain medications, and stretch. If this is not sufficient physiotherapy, orthotics, splinting, or steroid injections may be options. If other measures do not work extracorporeal shockwave therapy or surgery may be tried.