Musculoskeletal

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia). It commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with the first steps in the morning.

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Symptoms

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Causes

9

Treatments

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Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Plantar Fasciitis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Stabbing pain near the heel
  • Pain that is usually worse in the morning
  • Pain after prolonged standing or when getting up from sitting
  • Pain after — but not during — exercise

Causes

  • Tension and stress on the plantar fascia
  • Small tears in the tissue
  • Repetitive stretching and tearing

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays (to rule out stress fracture or bone spur)
  • MRI or ultrasound

Treatment

  • Stretching exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Night splints
  • Orthotics
  • Icing the heel
  • NSAIDs
  • Steroid injections
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
  • Surgery

Risk Factors

  • Age (40–60)
  • Obesity
  • Certain exercises (long-distance running)
  • Foot mechanics (flat feet, high arch)
  • Occupations requiring prolonged standing

Prevention

  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Choose supportive shoes
  • Replace worn-out athletic footwear
  • Stretch daily

Prevalence

Plantar fasciitis affects about 2 million Americans each year and about 10% of the population over a lifetime.