Plantar fasciitis - Symptoms and causes

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Mayo Clinic · Published: August 22, 2026 · Accessed: August 22, 2026

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• Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain: the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed.
• The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking; too much tension or stress causes tiny tears, and repeated stretching and tearing leads to irritation or inflammation.
• Symptoms: sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel, often worst with the first few steps in the morning, also triggered by long periods of standing or getting up from sitting.
• Risk factors: age (most common between 40 and 60), exercise that stresses heels and arches, foot shape (flat feet, high arches), old or worn-out shoes, being overweight, and jobs requiring long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces.
• If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic heel pain; changing the way you walk to avoid pain can cause problems in the feet, knees, hips or back.