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Information

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the band of tissue under the foot, causing sharp heel pain.

Drawing of the bones of the foot with the inflamed band of tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of the foot highlighted near the heel.

What is it?

Inflammation of the fascia (the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot) causing a sharp pain, local to the heel. It is occasionally accompanied by a heel spur.

Common symptoms

  • Pain in the bottom of the foot when you move it, particularly when you pull your foot up
  • Pain with weight-bearing, especially in the morning
  • Tenderness at the joint line
  • Stiffness in the foot
  • Swelling around the heel
  • Tenderness when touching the area
  • A tight Achilles tendon

Common treatment approaches

  • Strengthening the small muscles inside the foot
  • Shoe inserts and/or supportive shoes
  • Stretching
  • Hands-on (manual) therapy
  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Who gets it

  • Most common between ages 45 and 64
  • More common in women
  • More common in people who are overweight or obese
  • Common in people whose work requires prolonged standing
  • People with flat feet or high arches

How it is diagnosed

  • A positive Windlass test
  • A physical exam
  • X-ray or ultrasound may be used to rule out other diagnoses

Prevention

  • Improving your walking pattern
  • Learning how your foot works
  • Proper footwear
  • Stretching and exercise
  • Weight management