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Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot. It runs from the heel bone to the toes and forms the arch of your foot.


What are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia functions as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. Excessive pressure over the fascia may strain and tear the tissue, causing heel pain. Repeated overstretching or overuse causes irritation or inflammation of the fascia.

Other risk factors may include:

  • Obesity
  • Foot arch problems such as flat feet or high arches
  • Activities such as long-distance running, ballet and dance aerobics
  • Occupations that necessitate walking or standing on hard surfaces for a long period
  • Wearing thin-soled shoes or shoes with poor arch support

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The most common symptom is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel. You may experience pain when you take your first steps on awakening and it slowly decreases, but may return after standing for a long period of time.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your foot for signs of flatfoot or high arch, tenderness, swelling, redness, stiffness or tightness of your foot arch. Your doctor may suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other causes of heel pain such as a stress fracture or pinched nerve.

What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?

Most often, you are effectively treated with the following measures:

  • Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or inject corticosteroids directly into the plantar fascia to reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Rest: Reduce or avoid the activities that worsen the pain.
  • Night splints: You may be prescribed night splints to stretch the plantar fascia and allow it to heal.
  • Surgery: Occasionally, surgery may be suggested to release the tight plantar fascia.
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