Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause for heel pain. Pain and swelling of the plantar fascia, a ligamentous band that originates in front of the heel bone and fans out to the ball of the foot. With age and certain foot types the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot increases. The plantar fascial band does not stretch so it may pull away from the insertion into the heel. A side view x-ray of the foot - the pulling away shows as a projection of bone - a heel spur. It is not the spur that causes pain and very rarely has to be surgically removed, it is the process of gaining extra length of the fascia that causes severe burning and/or sharp pain especially first thing in the morning or after Sitting awhile. Treatment of this painful condition is very straightforward and begins with a digital x-ray (taken in our office) to evaluate the heel. Various treatment options will be discussed with the patient and appropriate treatment decided upon.