Plantar Fasciitis

Foot Problems Slideshow

• Plantar Fasciitis Overview
• Plantar Fasciitis Causes
• Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Medications
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Plantar Fasciitis Overview

The fibrous tissue that surrounds muscle and separates various tissues of the body is referred to as the fascia. The bottom, or plantar, surface of the foot has a strip of this tough tissue, referred to as the plantar fascia, stretching from the heel to the front of the bottom of the foot. This "bowstring-like" plantar fascia that stretches underneath the sole that attaches at the heel can become inflamed by disease or injury. Inflammation of the plantar fascia is referred to as plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Plantar fasciitis most commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Plantar fasciitis can occur alone from injury or may be related to underlying diseases that cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints) such as reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Sometimes plantar fasciitis occurs for unknown reasons.