If you’ve got pain on the bottom of your foot, there’s a good chance your problem is plantar fasciitis, a condition named for the plantar fascia ligament that runs from the heel to the front of your foot.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament goes through a degenerative change because of too much stress. This can cause a scarring process within the tissue and results in it thickening the becoming painful.

How is Plantar Fasciitis diagnosed?

It is mostly diagnosed based on symptoms:

  • Pain on the bottom of the foot near your heel
  • Pain when walking after periods of rest
  • Pain after exercising, but not while exercising

Your doctor will also look at your arch, tenderness, conduct positional pain testing and consider your medical history.

Tests, such as x-rays or advanced diagnostics, may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

How is Plantar Fasciitis treated?

Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, ice, physical therapy, and certain home exercises

Surgery is only considered after 9-12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment because more than 90 percent of patients will improve to a comfortable level without surgery.