Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and the single most common condition seen in a podiatry office. It occurs when the plantar fascia — a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the base of the toes — becomes inflamed or irritated.

The plantar fascia functions as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot during walking and standing. When it is subjected to excessive tension or stress, small tears develop in the tissue. The body's inflammatory response to those tears produces the characteristic heel pain that plantar fasciitis patients experience.

The hallmark symptom is sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel that is worst with the first steps of the morning or after a period of rest — and typically improves after a few minutes of walking as the tissue warms and stretches. Pain may return after prolonged standing or activity.

Plantar fasciitis does not resolve on its own without addressing the underlying mechanical cause. Dr. Gunter evaluates not just the inflammation but the biomechanical factors contributing to it — foot structure, gait pattern, footwear, activity level, and body mechanics — to build a treatment plan that addresses the root problem rather than managing symptoms indefinitely.