MedTerms Medical Dictionary

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Fasciitis, plantar: Inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the "bowstring-like" tissue stretching from the heel underneath the sole. Plantar fasciitis is often due to a bony spur projecting from the underside of the heel that makes walking painful. Spurs under the sole (plantar area) typically cause localized tenderness and pain that is made worse by stepping down on the heel.

Plantar fasciitis (and heel spurs) may occur alone or be related to underlying diseases which cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints) such as Reiter's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Treatment is designed to decrease the inflammation and avoid re-injury. Icing reduces pain and inflammation. Antiinflammatory agents (such as ibuprofen or injections of cortisone) can help. Infrequently surgery is done on chronically inflamed spurs. A donut- shaped shoe insert can take pressure off the plantar spur and lessen the plantar fasciitis.

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