Plantar fasciitis - a pain under the heel

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition which is caused by inflammation of the soft tissue at the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot as well as acting as a shock absorber. Plantar fasciitis feels like a sharp, stabbing or a burning sensation at the back of the arch of the foot, or under the heel, especially after rest. Most people feel it keenly after a nights sleep and after a long period of inactivity, such as office work. After moving around for a few minutes the pain usually disappears but only to return after the next rest. Membranes (or fascia) surround every muscle fibre in the body and are even tougher and thicker at the bottom of the foot - when these get damaged or slightly torn the body tries to heal the area when you are off your feet. The pain is felt after periods of rest because returning to your feet can pull on the fascia and re-tear the damaged area. Your body gets used to this stress and so the pain disappears after a few minutes - but the damage to the bottom of the foot is still there!