How to treat plantar fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Pain right under the heel is often the result of an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is the band-like connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot – a little like a thickened bowstring from heel to toes (see the image below).

This condition is called plantar fasciitis (Latin for ‘inflammation of the plantar fascia’). The plantar fascia functions like a natural ‘spring’ helping your body offset pressure from landing after a jump. It serves as an important shock absorber.

Repetitive overuse of the plantar fascia (such as running, jumping or walking too much) can lead to irritation and inflammation i.e. plantar fasciitis.

Heel spurs can be a related condition in some cases. This is more often the case in athletes with a high load of jumping or running. Heel Spurs refers to calcium deposits at the heel bone, leading to small bony protrusions or ‘spurs’ forming on the underside of the heel bone.

This may show up on X-rays in patients suffering from foot and heel pain. But in many cases, they may not be the reason for your pain. Heel pain is more often the result of an inflamed foot arch.