Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people who are active, on their feet all day or simply going about daily life. It develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting your foot's arch, becomes irritated or inflamed. With the right care, most people find lasting relief and return to comfortable, confident movement.

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Anatomy of the ankle and foot, showing ligaments, tendons, and bones, labeled for clarity.

Anatomy of the foot

Your plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It works like a shock absorber, supporting your arch every time you stand, walk or run and helping manage your body weight and the stress placed on your foot with each step.

Repetitive strain, poor foot mechanics or a sudden increase in activity can cause tiny tears in the fascia, leading to inflammation and heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after a new or intense activity. Without treatment, irritation can continue and make walking or standing more difficult.

Overview

Symptoms

You may have plantar fasciitis if you notice:

Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or after sitting
Pain that improves with movement but returns after long periods of activity or rest
Tenderness or swelling near the heel
Tightness in the arch or calf
Discomfort after exercise or long periods on your feet

These symptoms often start gradually and may feel mild at first. Getting care early can help prevent long-term heel pain.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis often develops from:

Suddenly increasing walking, running or standing without building up gradually
Tight calf muscles or an Achilles tendon that puts extra strain on your foot arch
Exercising on hard surfaces or uneven terrain that stresses the plantar fascia
Worn-out shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning
Flat feet, high arches or poor foot alignment that overload the fascia
Standing for long periods, especially on concrete floors or in stiff shoes

Risk factors

Some people are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, including those who stand for long periods at work, run or engage in high-impact exercise, or wear shoes with little arch support or cushioning. Carrying extra body weight and having tight calf muscles can also add strain to the plantar fascia. Having one or more of these factors doesn't mean you'll develop plantar fasciitis, but it's helpful information for you and your care team to keep in mind.

Diagnosis

Our foot and ankle specialists take time to understand your symptoms, walking patterns and footwear. Diagnosis typically includes a thorough physical exam of your foot and heel, and may involve imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound to rule out fractures or other causes of pain. A gait or biomechanical assessment can also help identify abnormal foot movement contributing to your discomfort. We explain each step of your evaluation so you feel informed and confident about your care.

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