Clinical Evaluation: Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Diagnosis is primarily based on history and physical examination. Patients may present with intense sharp heel pain with their first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Pain is elicited with palpations along the plantar aspect of the foot near the medial calcaneal tubercle. In addition to pain, patient may complain of stiffness in the foot accompanied with localized swelling in the heel. A noticeable limp may be present or patient will prefer to walk on their toes. Initially, pain decreases with ambulation, but increases throughout the day as normal activity increases.
