Subscribe to our newsletter. Plantar fasciitis, also called a heel spur , is a common painful foot condition. Plantar fasciitis is most often seen in middle-aged men, but can be found in all age groups. The condition is diagnosed with the classic symptoms of pain well localized over an area of the bottom of the foot near the heel. Often the pain is most severe when you first stand on the foot in the morning.
Pain often subsides quite quickly, but then returns after prolonged standing or walking.
The condition is sometimes, but not always, associated with a sudden gain of weight. Plantar fasciitis can be confused with a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome . The plantar fascia is a thick ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This strong and tight tissue contributes to maintaining the arch of the foot. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight across the foot as you walk or run.