Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is literally a pain in the bottom (plantar) aspect of the heel. It is an injury of the plantar fascia and is often suffered by people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

What is the plantar fascia?

The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running along the bottom of your feet. The plantar fascia stretches from your heel to the ball of your foot and helps support the arch of your foot.

How does plantar fasciitis develop?

Plantar fasciitis typically develops from an injury, micro trauma, or repetitive stress to the area where the plantar fascia meets the heel. It can also occur from overuse. It is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell.

Who is affected by plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is very common and primarily affects people who are on their feet a lot, including:

• People who do a lot of walking as part of their jobs, such as restaurant servers, nurses, and teachers
• Professional athletes
• People who exercise recreationally, such as runners

Others at higher risk for plantar fasciitis include:

• Women
• People who are overweight
• People who have flat feet or high arches
• Older people
• People who have a family history of plantar fasciitis (other family members with the condition)

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Pain in the heel after exercise or prolonged standing is often the first symptom of plantar fasciitis. Classically, morning pain and stiffness are experienced. After a while, the pain may become more severe. You may also have some inflammation (swelling) in the heel area.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Fortunately, most cases of plantar fasciitis are not serious and can be treated with rest. The best method is to refrain from engaging in the activities that caused the pain. Do this until the swelling and/or pain have subsided.

Applying ice to your heel and using pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen is also suggested. You should insulate your feet from excess shock by wearing cushioned shoes, athletic shoes, or shock-absorbing insoles.

The most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis is to stretch the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon to make your heel and calf muscle more flexible. Your doctor can demonstrate the proper stretching exercises. By following these methods, you should see and feel improvement within three months. In cases where the pain persists, or is severe, plantar fasciitis can be treated with a corticosteroid injection into the heel.

A newer treatment instituted prior to surgery is electrocorporeal shock wave therapy. In this procedure, an instrument administers pulses of energy (shock waves) to your heel to relieve pain.

Will I need surgery?

Surgery for plantar fasciitis is rarely needed unless other treatments do not relieve the pain. Surgical procedures include removing a portion of the plantar fascia.

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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 11/14/2007...#12333