The sole of your foot is covered with a thick band of connective tissue called the plantar fascia. It is like a large elastic band that stretches from the heel and attaches to the foot tissue near the toes this fascia can become swollen and inflamed. Its classic diagnosis is pain on standing after long rest. It is often felt first thing in the morning when walking to the bathroom. On examination usually plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed by a pain and tenderness on the inside part of the heel bone or along the inside arch of the foot. It can be brought on by a number of things such as a sudden change in exercise, foot posture, weight, tight calf muscle and footwear.

A range of treatments are available for plantar fasciitis. Orthotic insoles might be prescribed for you to wear in your shoes. Some patients will have padding and strapping applied which can remain in place for up to a week which will help to rest the area. Also self-help tasks such as calf stretches, applying ice to the area or using a small frozen bottle of water to roll under the arch, using ibuprofen gel or tablets can also help with reducing the inflammation in the area.

With treatment most people are free from pain within a year and often a couple of months is all it takes if you help yourself and treat the injury as instructed.  In more severe cases, a steroid injection or surgery may be required. This is very rare and is only used after the conservative treatments have failed to work.