What is Plantar Faciitis?
Plantar faciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Symptoms include:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the heel that is worse when first standing
• Pain in the heel that increases over a period of months

Patients who have plantar faciitis usually decribe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after resting for a long period of time. After a few minutes of walking, the pain will dissipate due to the plantar fascia stretching as they walk. For some, the pain can return after long periods of being on their feet. 

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of this disorder is usually due to an abnormal structure of the patients foot. For examine, people with flat feet or high arches are more likely to develop plantar faciitis. Wearing non-supportive shoes on a hard, flat surface can also contribute, as well as obesity.

Diagnosis
To diagnose plantar faciitis, you podiatrist will go over your medical history and examine your foot, ruling out any other causes of heel pain. They may order x-rays, a bone scan, or an MRI.