The typical patient will experience pain upon first arising in the morning when stepping out of bed. The patient will also experience progressive discomfort during the day, and frequently even getting up out of the easy chair in the evening also produces pain with the first few steps. The discomfort is typically on the inner aspect and bottom of the heel. This condition is known as Plantar Fasciitis.

It occurs in individuals that have a higher arch or a lower arch, or are overweight, or who spend a lot of time on their feet in their occupation. A tight ligament on the bottom of the foot between the heel and the toes gets stretched, over-used, and partially torn. The heel spur frequently seen on an x-ray is simply a marker of the inflamation occurring in the ligament.

A podiatrist will frequently prescribe anti-inflammatory pills, shoe changes, special cushions, prescription shoe inserts, or Cortisone injections. Other remedies include ice, taping of the foot, a fiberglass cast, or surgical treatment. Surgery is performed in an out-patient facility and involves releasing a portion of the fascia through a small incision.