Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a ligament, or thick band of connective tissue between bones. The plantar fascia forms at the calcaneus, or heel bone, and extends along the bottom of the foot towards the proximal phalanges of the toes.
This inflammation is most commonly associated with extended periods of weight bearing, and in non-athletic patients, is usually connected to high body mass index.
The typical means of diagnosing plantar fasciitis is done during an in office examination. Through a conversation, looking at the patient’s foot, and watching them stand and walk a doctor should be able to see signs of the condition. In some cases it may be necessary to use imaging, such as radiographs, ultrasound, or MRI to verify the presence of the condition.
With plantar fasciitis, the pain usually derives from the underside of the heel, sometimes spreading up the foot. It is common, due to fact that while sleeping your foot is in a relaxed state of mending, when you first take steps in the morning the pain is the most intense of the day. Another common symptom is that the patient has a tough time bending their foot, so as a result the toes are brought up toward the shin.
