musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Plantar Fasciitis
Key Points
Plantar fasciitis involves various syndromes causing pain in the plantar fascia. Various lifestyle factors and disorders increase risk by leading to shortened calf muscles and plantar fascia. Pain at the bottom of the heel worsens with weight bearing, particularly when pushing off the heel and over the course of the day. Confirm the diagnosis by reproducing pain with calcaneal pressure exerted by the thumb during dorsiflexion. Treat initially with in-shoe heel cushioning, arch supports, Achilles tendon–stretching exercises, and splinting devices worn at night. 