Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that connects the heel bone to toes. It supports the arch of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your foot arc. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:

• Feet rolls inward too much when walking

• With high arches or flat feet.

• Walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.

• Overweight.

• Shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.

• Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.

Symptoms

Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps. But your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical exam to see if a plantar fascia is tender or swollen. X-rays are sometimes needed to evaluate the heel bone. On X-rays, pointed bony fragment that stems from the heel bone, however it is not always present. In some cases, an Ultrasound or MRI may be needed.

Treatment

Physiotherapy  is   of  great  value,  and  conservative   treatment   is   usually   all   that   is   required. Specifically,  patients  may  benefit  from  radial  shock  wave  therapy,  which  is  new,  safe  and effective treatment modality.

Sometimes, an local injection of potent inflammatory medicine (called “steroid”) is helpful. Surgery is indicated for selected cases.

Prevention

No single treatment works best for everyone with plantar fasciitis. But there are many things you can try to help your foot get better:

• Give your feet a rest. Cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Try not to walk or run on hard surfaces.

• To reduce pain and swelling, try putting ice on your heel. Or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.

• Do toe stretches, calf stretches and towel stretches several times a day, especially when you first get up in the morning.

• Heel cups or shoe inserts (orthotics). Use them in both shoes, even if only one foot hurts.

• Get a new pair of shoes. Pick shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole. Or try