Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis accounts for 11 - 15% of all foot symptoms requiring professional care. Normally your doctor will take your medical history to find out more about your past and current condition, and your symptoms. It is important to provide him/her with as much information as possible.

He/she will give you a physical examination and check your foot and toe for any tenderness, inflammation, discoloration or unusual sensations. He/she will test your foot and lower leg muscles and nerves for reflexes, strength and flexibility. Normally with plantar fasciitis you will have pain when standing on your toes, a thick plantar fascia and reduced ankle dorsiflexion (ability to point your toes and foot upward) as a result of a tight achilles tendon.

Your gait (the way you walk) will also be evaluated to determine your bone alignment when you walk. Your doctor may check the soles of your shoes to see if you have excessive wear on one side. If the inside edge of your sole is more worn, you overpronate. If the outside edge of your sole is more worn, you underpronate. If there is no wearing on your sole, you have a balanced stride.

Occasionally X-rays, MRIs or blood tests might be requested to rule out other conditions or diseases (bone spurs, stress fractures, nerve compression, collagen disorders, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis) If unsure of the root cause of your deformity, blood tests might be requested to rule out diseases or infections.