Plantar Fasciitis: Symptom and Causes

Symptoms

The most common symptom is heel pain

• Pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel
• Burning or ache on the bottom of the foot extending outward from the heel

The pain is usually worst in the morning although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or getting up from a seated position. Other signs include:

• Tenderness on the bottom of your foot
• Flat feet or high arches
• Mild foot swelling or redness
• Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot

Causes

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive over stretching of plantar fascia. A number of factors can contribute to this condition. You are also more likely to have this condition as you age or if you:

• Are overweight
• Take up a new form of exercise or suddenly increase the intensity of your exercise
• Are on your feet for several hours each day
• Have other medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Tend to wear high-heeled shoes, and then switch abruptly to flat shoes
• Have flat feet or an unusually high arch