Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick connective tissue on the sole of the foot. This tissue, the plantar fascia, connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. This is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the foot.

Symptoms

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel and along the arch of the foot. The heel pain may be dull or sharp while the  bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

In the morning when you take your first steps

After standing or sitting for a while

When climbing stairs

After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, suddenly after intense activity, or with a change in footwear/activity.

Risk Factors

Flat feet or very high arches

Obesity or sudden weight gain

Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces

A change in footwear

Tight calf muscles and/or Achilles Tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)

Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Research has found that heel spurs are not necessarily factor for this condition as previously believed. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.