Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the common conditions affecting the foot, primarily involving the plantar fascia tissue. The plantar fascia is a band-like structure that extends from the heel to the base of the toes, serving to support the foot arch and absorb shock. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched or injured, it may become inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis.

Common symptoms include the following:

1. Pain: Typically occurs in the heel or arch area. This pain is often most noticeable upon waking in the morning and may worsen with activity or prolonged standing. The pain may feel sharp or tearing and can significantly affect the patient's ability to walk normally.

2. Tenderness: There may be specific tender points in the plantar fascia area, with noticeable pain upon palpation.

3. Swelling and redness: As the condition progresses, plantar fasciitis may cause swelling and localized redness on the sole of the foot, further increasing the patient's discomfort.

4. Stiffness and restricted movement: Patients may experience stiffness and pain in the sole of the foot upon waking, resulting in an abnormal gait, such as temporary limping. Additionally, plantar fasciitis may cause limited mobility, affecting the patient's daily life and work.

5. Altered gait: To reduce pain, patients may unconsciously change their walking pattern, which could lead to discomfort in other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, or back.