What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse of the ligament at the bottom of the arch of the foot which causes pain at the bottom of the foot and heel. Plantar fasciitis can also be known as a “heel spur” although they are not always the same. A heel spur is a bony growth that occurs at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone (calcaneus). While a heel spur can occur (with repetitive pulling of the plantar fascia) on a foot with no symptoms at all, a painful heel can also have no heel spur present.

Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs are commonly found in people who participate in sports which involve running or jumping. Runners who over-pronate their feet or have tight calf muscles are at risk as the biomechanics causes additional stretching of the plantar fascia.