Plantar fasciitis (fashee-EYE-tiss) is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. Approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition every year. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet. But, sometimes, too much pressure damages or tears the tissues. The body’s natural response to injury is inflammation, which results in the heel pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis. More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods such as rest, ice, NSAIDs, exercises, corticosteroid injections, supportive shoes and orthotics, night splints and physical therapy.