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
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Sharp heel pain — usually felt with the first few steps after waking up.
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Pain that decreases after moving but returns after standing for a long time or getting up from sitting.
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Tenderness in the heel or along the arch of the foot.
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Pain that worsens after exercise, not during it.
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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:
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Overuse — prolonged standing, walking, or running.
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High-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing.
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Wearing non-supportive footwear.
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Foot mechanics problems such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns.
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Sudden increase in activity without proper conditioning.
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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.
