Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of bone (medial calcaneal tuberosity) and plantar fascia resulting in heel pain. This condition affects women twice as often as men. It is not specifically associated with any particular foot condition, but more commonly found in overweight persons, runners, dancers, gymnasts, soccer, volleyball, and tennis players. 

Pathogenesis:  

The plantar fascia or aponeurosis is a broad ligament that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes. This aponeurosis helps to support the arch of the foot. Chronic traction results in inflammation of the aponeurosis as it inserts into the calcaneus. Bone spur(s) may be present, but usually are incidental findings and it is the inflamed fascia that causes the symptoms. 

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS: 

Patients report focal pain and tenderness directly over the medial calcaneal tuberosity. The pain is most severe upon awakening or when rising from a resting position, as the first steps stretch the plantar fascia. Non-weightbearing typically relieves the symptoms.  

Physical examination: 

Point tenderness at the attachment of the plantar aponeurosis to the heel on the plantar-medial surface of the foot (1-2 cm distal along the plantar fascia). Patients will often have tightness in the Achilles tendon, which contributes to increase tension on the plantar fasci