Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot.
Symptoms include:
- A stabbing pain in the heel or bottom of the foot
- Pain that’s usually worse in the morning or after resting
- Pain that can radiate down the bottom of the foot
- Swelling on the bottom of the heel
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including: Foot structure, Type of shoes, Overuse, Walking surfaces, and Training errors.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis include:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy, especially heel and foot stretching exercises
- Night splints to stretch the foot while sleeping
- Resting for at least a week
- Wearing shoes with good support and cushioning.
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue, called fascia, that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking.
Tension and stress on the fascia can cause small tears. Repeated stretching and tearing of the facia can irritate or inflame it, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis.