The plantar fascia is a strong ligament at the bottom of the foot. It originates at the heel bone and runs along the bottom of the foot fanning out towards the toes. It acts to support the arch of the foot and as you walk it stretches and contracts as your body weight is carried over.
Plantar fasciitis is when there is inflammation of this ligament due to micro-tearing from constant strain and stress such as in the case of flat feet, or a sudden increase in activity.
Pain is felt at the bottom of the heel and into the arch of the foot, especially the first couple of steps after resting.
Conservative treatment will heal plantar fasciitis up to 90% of the time.
Conservative therapy consists of icing, stretching exercises to improve flexibility especially in the mornings, and strength exercises to improve foot and ankle strength.
Most patients need simple insoles / custom made orthotics to control motion of the foot and support plantar facia.
