The foot and ankle must provide support and shock absorption while at the same time balancing the body.  Plantar fasciitis is a commonly diagnosed disorder of the foot.  The classic presentation of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain at the bottom of the heel that radiates along the arches of the foot toward the toes.  The pain is usually worse in the morning with the first few steps of the day.  

Plantar Fasciitis is a repetitive strain condition, so the onset is slow and gradual.  (If the onset was sudden, a plantar fascia rupture is more likely).  There is usually an underlying disorder contributing to the problem, (such as pronation or supination of the foot, or obesity) or less than optimal footwear.

95% of patients respond positively to conservative care for plantar fasciitis.