Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)

Obesity or sudden weight gain

Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces

Sudden weight gain

Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)

Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis most often affects active men ages 40 – 70. It is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

In the morning when you take your first steps

After standing or sitting for a while

When climbing stairs

After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.
Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show:

Tenderness on the bottom of your foot

Flat feet or high arches

Mild foot swelling or redness

Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot.