Condition Basics
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets irritated or inflamed. Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.
What causes it?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to inflammation along the bottom of the heel. This problem is more likely to happen if you walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain along the bottom of their foot and heel. It's often worse when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. Your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your doctor will check your feet and watch you stand and walk. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and your past health. Your doctor will also ask you where the pain is and at what time of day your foot hurts most.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
No single treatment works best for everyone with plantar fasciitis. But there are things you can try to help your foot get better. For example, cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Stretch your toes and calves several times a day. Put ice on your heel to reduce pain.
