Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of one or both heels, caused by irritation to the plantar fascia, which are the dense tissue bands that connect the heels to the toes.

• Pain is usually is felt on the first step out of bed in the morning or when walking again after resting from a walking or running activity.
• Pain can, if it persists, soon be felt any time you are walking, running or jumping.
• Although the pain is mostly felt at the bottom of the heel, it can radiate down the entire bottom of the foot towards the toes.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is rarely serious enough to require surgery. At Children's, doctors can help your child manage pain through exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot, ankle and leg.