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Plantar fasciitis - Symptom

Symptoms:

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

In the morning when you take your first steps
After standing or sitting for a while
When climbing stairs
After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show:

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.

X-rays may be taken to rule out other problems, but having a heel spur is not significant.

Plantar fascia

Plantar fasciitis

Reviewed last on: 2/19/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wapner KL, Parekh SG. Heel pain. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:section F.
Abu-Laban RV, Ho K. Ankle and foot. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 55.

Heel pain

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