The plantar fascia is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.  It plays an key part in the normal foot mechanics whilst running, jumping and walking.

Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia comes about when the plantar fascia suffers microscopic tears at the point where it joins to the heel bone, or along its length.  With poor foot mechanics, too much use or other risk factors, the pressure applied to the plantar fascia during running and walking and the shift of body weight from one foot to the other can tear the fascia from its attachment to the heel and result in microscopic tears.

Plantar fasciitis is a serious condition.  At its most extreme, the most serious of plantar fasciitis can result in ruptures in the ligament.

Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia is strained because of elevated or excessive activity, poor foot biomechanics or in combined with the natural aging process.  The purpose of the plantar fascia is to help absorb shock and support the arch of the foot.  The plantar fascia is generally overextended repeatedly before any pain is obvious.  The pain comes from continual microscopic tears occurring in the plantar fascia, usually at the point where it attaches to the heel bone.

This results in inflammation, pain in the heel, and possible visible bruising at the heel bone attachment.  The pain is typically felt at the bottom of the heel, normally on the interior (inside) of the heel, however may also occur in the arch of the foot itself or further forward closer to the toes.

Often plantar fasciitis results in the development of a bone spur (calcaneus) at the point of insertion of the plantar fascia to the heel bone.  Although very painful, the heel spur is not itself the source of the pain, instead the pain is a result of the inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Plantar fasciitis pain is oftentimes triggered by increased barefoot walking or walking without proper protection for the arch.  Old or battered sneakers are the worst offenders.  Also, during summer, excessive wearing of flip-flops can result in or worsen plantar fasciitis.

Early diagnosis and a structured treatment plan are important for healing plantar fasciitis.  If treatment is held up or inadequate in the early stages of the condition, plantar fasciitis can take 6-18 months or more to be fully healed.  Nonetheless by sticking to a suitably mapped out treatment plan and blending many of the individual treatments available, thankfully in the majority of cases, non-surgical treatment cures the condition.  Only in the worst cases is surgery required.

Continue to the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.

Continue to Plantar Injury.