Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that involves irritation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, often due to degenerative changes rather than pure inflammation. It affects the plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes and helps support the arch of the foot.

People often develop plantar fasciitis after repetitive stress to the foot, changes in activity, or problems with foot mechanics. Pain is usually worst with the first steps after resting and can limit daily activities.

What You Should Know About Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia helps absorb shock and supports the arch; when it is overloaded it can develop small tears and degenerative changes that cause pain near the heel.

Most people improve with simple self-care such as stretching, changes in footwear, and activity modification. When pain persists or limits everyday tasks, orthopaedic evaluation can identify mechanical factors and recommend targeted treatments.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Overuse from repetitive stress Repeated impact or prolonged standing can strain the plantar fascia and lead to irritation and pain.
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon Limited ankle motion increases stress on the plantar fascia when you walk or run.
• Flat feet or high arches Abnormal foot mechanics change how force is distributed across the plantar fascia.
• Sudden increase in activity A rapid rise in walking, running, or stair climbing can overload the tissue.
• Inappropriate footwear Shoes that lack arch support or cushioning can increase tension on the plantar fascia.
• Excess body weight Additional weight places more strain on the plantar fascia during standing and walking.

What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

1. Pain with first steps in the morning
2. Sharp or aching heel pain with activity
3. Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
4. Difficulty with high-impact activities

When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for Plantar Fasciitis

• Persistent pain despite self-care If symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of rest, stretching, and supportive shoes, an orthopaedic evaluation can identify underlying problems.
• Severe or worsening pain Intense pain that limits walking or daily tasks should be assessed to rule out other conditions.
• Visible foot deformity Changes in foot shape or a new limp may signal mechanical issues that need specialist care.
• Numbness or tingling Nerve symptoms alongside heel pain may require further testing and targeted treatment.
• Recurrent symptoms If pain keeps returning after treatment, a specialist can recommend additional options to reduce the chance of recurrence.

This information is provided by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates and is intended to help you understand plantar fasciitis. It does not replace professional medical advice tailored to your situation.

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This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.