Tag: plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous band that supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It commonly presents with sharp, stabbing heel pain that is most intense during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. The condition is typically caused by repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, pes planus (flat feet), high arches, or sudden increases in physical activity. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on localized tenderness over the medial calcaneal tubercle and a positive Windlass test. Management focuses on reducing mechanical load through stretching, orthotics, night splints, shockwave therapy, strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles, and, in resistant cases, minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasound-guided fasciotomy.