Plantar fasciitis is a common, painful foot condition. It is most often seen in middle-aged men and women, but can be found in all age groups. Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed with the classic  symptoms of pain well localized over the heel area of the bottom of the foot. Often the pain from plantar fasciitis is most severe when you first stand on your feet in the morning. Pain often subsides quite quickly, but then  returns after   prolonged standing or walking.

Plantar fasciitis is sometimes, but not always, associated with a rapid gain of weight. Plantar fasciitis is also  sometimes seen in recreational athletes, especially runners. In these  athletes, it is thought that the repetitive nature of the sport causes the damage to the fibrous tissue that forms the arch of the foot.

When a patient has plantar fasciitis, the connective tissue that forms the arch of the foot becomes inflammed (tendonitis) and degenerative (tendinosis)-these abnormalities cause   plantar fasciitis and can make normal activities quite  painful. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are typically worsened early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the arch tissue is tight and simple movements stretch the contracted tissue. As you begin to loosen the foot, the pain usually subsides, but often returns with prolonged standing or walking.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis usually consists of  short-term rest and controlling the inflammation.

A compounded topical pain cream/gel is often prescribed to  reduce pain and inflammation and avoid the adverse side  effects that many people experience with oral medication, such as GI upset. These creams usually contain an NSAID, alone or combined with other agents to target neuropathic pain or provide local anesthesia. Transdermal medication minimizes the systemic effects seen with oral medications and  maximizes local pain relief.*

* BMJ. 1998 Jan 31;316(7128): 333-8