Plantar fasciitis typically develops without any specific cause and develops slowly
over time. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, obesity, high foot arch, repetitive
impact activity, and new or increased activity level.
Heel spurs are not necessarily a cause of pain. One out of 10 people has heel spurs,
but only 1 out of 20 people with heel spurs has foot pain. Since the spur is not
the cause of plantar fasciitis, the pain can be treated without removing the spur.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include most notably pain with the first few steps
in the morning, pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel, and pain after but
not during exercise.