About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is degeneration of the plantar fascia — the thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. Despite the "-itis" suffix, it is primarily a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one.
Classic Symptoms
Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning, pain that improves briefly then worsens with prolonged standing or walking, tenderness at the heel bone insertion.
Why It Persists
Degenerated plantar fascia tissue has poor blood supply and limited healing capacity. Standard treatments address symptoms without removing the damaged tissue itself.
Who Is Affected
Runners, those who stand for long periods at work, people with flat feet or high arches, and adults between 40–60 years old are most commonly affected.
Diagnosis
Clinical exam and ultrasound imaging confirm plantar fascia thickening and degeneration. MRI provides additional detail when needed to rule out stress fractures or other conditions.
Diagrams courtesy of HydroCision, Inc. Plantar fasciitis behaves more like tendinosis — degeneration of the tissue — than simple inflammation, which is why it often doesn't respond to rest alone.