Do I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Medically Reviewed by Tyler Wheeler, MD on April 12, 2023
1 min read

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bands of tissue that connect your heel to your toes.

Symptoms include pain in the bottom of your foot -- at the front or center of the heel bone. You might notice that it’s worse in the morning when you first wake up (“first-step pain”). And it may happen when you’re standing after having sat for a long time.

You’re also more likely to feel it right after exercise.

Your doctor can normally tell if you have it just by checking for tender areas in your foot. Often, they can pinpoint what’s causing the pain by where it’s located. They probably won’t do any imaging tests. In rare cases, they might suggest an X-ray or MRI to rule out another cause, like a pinched or compressed nerve or stress fracture in your heel.

Plantar fasciitis normally goes away on its own after a few months. Resting and taking over-the-counter pain meds can help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable. Your doctor may suggest stretches or wearing heel cups for relief. But call your doctor about your condition if it doesn’t improve, or if you notice redness or bruising on your heel.