What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
It happens when the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes — becomes irritated or inflamed.

Symptoms

• Sharp heel pain — usually felt with the first few steps after waking up.

• Pain that decreases after moving but returns after standing for a long time or getting up from sitting.

• Tenderness in the heel or along the arch of the foot.

• Pain that worsens after exercise, not during it.

• Mild swelling or warmth in the heel area.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis develops when small tears or strain occur in the plantar fascia due to excessive stress.
Common causes include:

• Overuse — prolonged standing, walking, or running.

• High-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing.

• Wearing non-supportive footwear.

• Foot mechanics problems such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns.

• Sudden increase in activity without proper conditioning.

• Being overweight, which adds extra stress to the foot.

💡 Tip: Early treatment — such as rest, proper footwear, stretching, and custom orthotics — can help prevent chronic heel pain.