What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

by Dr. David Williams

Filed Under: Plantar Fasciitis, Bone & Joint Health

Last Reviewed 11/08/2011

Learn how plantar fasciitis develops

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia—the fibrous band that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The condition generally starts like a stone bruise on the heel and the pain then spreads along the bottom of the foot.

When the plantar fascia is overstretched, minute tears develop, usually in the area where the band inserts into the heel bone, accompanied by inflammation and tissue degeneration. Heel spurs, small bony protrusions on the bone of the heel caused by fascia inflammation, can also appear.

More Dr. Williams Advice on Plantar Fasciitis

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For more than 25 years, Dr. David Williams has traveled the world researching alternative therapies for our most common health problems—therapies that are inexpensive and easy to use, and therapies that treat the root cause of a problem rather than just its symptoms. More About Dr. Williams

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