byTimothy W. H. Young, DPMThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and it involves pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue, that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain in the foot and is normally most prominent after prolonged periods of inactivity such as the initial steps in the morning after sleeping. Anyone is susceptible to plantar fasciitis, but it is most commonly found in those that are overweight, pregnant women, runners or people that wear improperly fitted shoes. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are as follows: pain that develops gradually, affects just one foot, is worse with the first few steps after inactivity and/or feels like sharp pain in the heel of the foot. There are many treatment options available for plantar fasciitis, which include: anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, physical therapy, night splints, orthotics, extracorporeal shock wave therapy or surgery.
