Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects to your toes called the plantar fascia.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Inflammation and pain in the fascia can be caused by:

• An increase in activity level
• The structure or shape of the foot
• The surface on which you are standing, walking or running
• The type of shoes you are wearing
• The weight you carry

What are symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

It typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting. The pain is usually worse after exercise, not during it.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, including resting, icing the painful area and stretching.

In general, the longer the symptoms have been present and the more severe the pain, the longer the treatment may take. Additionally, high-demand athletes, such as cross-country or marathon runners, may require a longer course of treatment.

Plantar fasciitis treatment options include:

• Stretching and physical therapy
• Icing and medication
• Rest, activity modification and orthotics
• Steroid injections
• Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF)