Plantar fasciitis is a common, frequently debilitating, cause of plantar heel pain. It most often occurs in athletes (particularly runners), people over the age of 30, people who stand for long periods of time, and those who are overweight. It is characterized by pain in the plantar heel with the first step in the morning and after prolonged sitting. Patients are generally point tender over the origin of the plantar fascia. Treatment is with over-the-counter analgesics, relative rest, heel cushions, massage, icing, weight loss if indicated, and stretching and strengthening exercises. If these are not successful, steroid injection may be tried, although this carries a risk of plantar fascia rupture.

 

fasciitis

fat pad syndrome

heel pain

heel spur

plantar fascia

Plantar fasciitis

plantar fasciosis

rupture of the plantar fascia