What is the most common symptom associated with plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain is the most common symptom associated with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This pain is often most intense with the first steps taken in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting, as the fascia tightens and experiences tension upon standing.

The nature of the pain typically presents as a sharp or stabbing sensation in the heel, making it distinctly noticeable and often leading individuals to seek treatment or corrective measures. Understanding this primary symptom is crucial for effective diagnosis and therapy strategies in individuals exhibiting signs of plantar fasciitis.

Other symptoms, such as aching in the arch of the foot, while still relevant, are secondary and less distinctive compared to the hallmark heel pain. Numbness in the toes and ankle stiffness are not commonly associated with plantar fasciitis specifically, as they suggest different underlying conditions or issues not directly related to the plantar fascia itself.