Plantar Fasciitis :
Plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain is a disorder in which there is inflammation of the plantar fascia (connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot) which result in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is gradual in onset and risk factors include obesity, sudden weight gain, flat feet, high arches, uneven foot length, age, sedentary lifestyle, a tight achilles tendon, long periods of standing , improper footwear, trauma etc. Pain in the heel is usually much worse in the morning during the initial few steps and or following a period of rest.
It also pains when the foot is bent towards the shin. If the plantar fascia is overused during plantar fasciitis it can rupture that can result in typical clicking or snapping sound followed by significant swelling and acute pain in the bottom of the foot. Management includes conservative treatment in most of the cases ie,. daily stretching,daily foot taping to support the arch and proper foot wear, if it fails ESWT (Extracorporeal shockwave therapy) is given, corticosteroid injections and surgery may be done .