Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that is found on the bottom of your foot. It originates from the bottom surface of your heel (calcaneus bone) and extends along the sole of your foot towards the toes. This connective tissue acts as a shock absorber of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition of overuse where repetitive activity on your feet can result in the plantar fascia becoming tight, and causing persistent traction on its origin point in the heel bone resulting in inflammation. Plantar fasciitis commonly presents as sharp pain on the inside part of the heel that is worse in the morning with the first few steps.
Your physiotherapist will assess you to determine what factors may be causing this condition. Initial treatment will consist of relieving pain and decreasing inflammation by rest, ice, and protection (i.e. heel cups, orthotics, strapping of the foot). Rehabilitation will then involve correcting biomechanical insufficiencies, stretching tight muscles, strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot, and a gradual return to normal activity.