Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel, across the sole of the foot and sometimes into the arch area of the foot too.

It is caused by swelling of the ‘plantar fascia’ ligament. This is a very important ligament, connecting the heel to the ball of the foot and playing a vital role in supporting the arch of your foot - taking the strain when you stand, walk or run.

The condition can affect anybody, but it is most common amongst people over the age of 40. Overusing this ligament is thought to be the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, along with being excessively overweight or having altered biomechanics e.g. people with flat feet or high arched feet or those with tight calves.