What is plantar fasciitis and how do you treat it?

Heel pain: Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the bottom surface of the foot. It is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot. Some treatments include stretching, anti inflammatories, injection therapy with corticosteroids, orthotics, physical therapy and rarely surgery.

Arch inflammation: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligament that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. It usually hurts worse at the heel and after inactivity. It is brought on by poor foot mechanics, usually coupled with use of poorly supportive or no shoes. Try icing, wearing running sneakers whenever you are on your feet and ibuprofen/naproxen as tolerated. See a podiatrist if it doesn't respond.

Combo treatment. : If you have plantar fasciitis, and hurt most with the first few steps in the morning, the more you can do together, the better: #1: supportive shoes. #2: firm inserts or orthotics. #3: oral antiinflammatories (check with your doctor). #4: stretching your foot and calf. #5: icing (10 min at a time). You may also need physical therapy or cortisone injections, or eswt if available in your area.