Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. The pain is usually worst with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. It affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the foot, and can make walking or standing uncomfortable. The condition often develops gradually and can be triggered by activities that put excessive strain on the foot, such as running or prolonged standing. People with high arches or flat feet are more prone to this problem.

Plantar fasciitis is defined as inflammation and microtearing of the plantar fascia, a thick connective tissue supporting the foot arch, typically caused by repetitive mechanical stress or overuse. The pathophysiology involves degeneration of collagen fibers and fibroblast proliferation rather than classic inflammation, making it a form of fasciosis. It is most common in middle-aged adults and athletes, especially runners, and is associated with biomechanical abnormalities such as pes planus or pes cavus. Clinically, it presents with heel pain localized to the medial calcaneal tubercle, worsened by weight-bearing after rest. The condition is significant because it can impair mobility and quality of life due to chronic pain and functional limitation.