In this episode, we review plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain in adults. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology of repetitive stress and degeneration of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal insertion, leading to the classic presentation of sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning. The episode highlights key risk factors such as prolonged standing, obesity, foot biomechanics, and tight Achilles tendons, along with characteristic exam findings including focal calcaneal tenderness and a positive windlass test. We also review the primarily clinical diagnosis and evidence-based treatment strategies, emphasizing stretching, load modification, supportive footwear, and when advanced therapies may be considered. This concise review provides practical clinical pearls to help clinicians recognize and manage plantar fasciitis effectively.

References

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2) Goff JD, Crawford R. Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. Am Fam Physician. 2011 Sep 15;84(6):676-82. PMID: 21916393.

3) Nweke TC. Comprehensive Review and Evidence-Based Treatment Framework for Optimizing Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis and Management. Cureus. 2025 Jul 25;17(7):e88745. doi: 10.7759/cureus.88745. PMID: 40717873; PMCID: PMC12294660.

4) Tseng WC, Chen YC, Lee TM, Chen WS. Plantar Fasciitis: An Updated Review. J Med Ultrasound. 2023 Oct 6;31(4):268-274. doi: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_2_23. PMID: 38264606; PMCID: PMC10802877.