What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

By Jonathan Cluett, MD
Updated on August 21, 2023
 Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM

  • Your plantar fascia is a tight, thick tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or irritated, resulting in a sharp or dull pain felt at the bottom of the heel.1 This can be caused by several things, from carrying extra weight to wearing unsupportive footwear. Though treatments are usually quite simple, the pain of plantar fasciitis can be fairly severe.

plantar fasciitis
 Verywell / JR Bee

 

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:2

  • Sharp or dull pain felt at the bottom of the foot directly on or near the heel3

  • Pain that is most severe in the morning, especially when first standing

  • Pain that worsens after prolonged weight bearing4

  • Pain that is relieved with rest

  • Heel swelling and/or stiffness

 

Causes

When a person has plantar fasciitis, the connective tissue that forms the arch of the foot becomes inflamed.

Continue Reading:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/plantar-fasciitis-2549411?hid=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b&did=11987813-20240218&utm_source=verywellhealth&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywell-health-today_newsletter&utm_content=021824&lctg=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b

Article submitted to MSRN by Pat France, MSRN Volunteer