Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammatory condition caused by excessive strain of the main ligament found under the arch of the foot. This ligament, called the plantar fascia, attaches to the heel bone and fans out toward the ball of the foot. The function of this ligament is to help support the arch particularly at "push off" when walking or running. Problems arise however, when excessive strain is placed on the plantar fascia thus causing it to become irritated, inflamed or torn. 

 

Excessive strain can be placed on the ligament due to: 

- Poor foot biomechanics (eg: "flat" or pronated feet) 

- Sudden increase in activity 

- Increase in weight 

- An injury 

- Or a combination of the above. 

 

If the strain occurs at the attachment to the heel, small areas of bone may be irritated. This may result in the laying down of new bone at the site of the damage, often causing a small bone spur to develop in the direction of the ligament strain. This is why this condition is sometimes called "Heel Spur Syndrome".