Inflamed plantar fascia involves inflammation of the thick, rubber band-like ligament that stretches from your heel to your toes.

The condition may be caused by high-arched or flat feet, unsupportive shoes, weight, over use, prolonged standing, working or exercising on hard surfaces.

Characterized by pain on manipulation and use of the feet or other foot pain that is dull or stabbing in the bottom of the foot near the heel or in the arch of the foot. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing.

Tests may include: a complete history and physical examination; x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or ultrasound.

Treatment can include oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, supportive shoes, orthotics, physical therapy, splinting, walking aids, ultrasound imaging, and/or surgery.

Residuals may include the permanent use of an orthosis. The device may have to be adjusted periodically. Skin care is ongoing to prevent breakdown of the tissue surrounding the device. If surgical correction is performed, residuals will depend on the degree of corrections, and the response of the deformity to surgical interventions.

• The rating schedule for musculoskeletal was updated on February 7, 2021. Protection still does apply and should be considered with existing evaluations (38 CFR 3.951(a)).

• When multiple foot disabilities are present, but the etiology of the symptoms cannot be separated, assign a single disability evaluation for the predominant symptoms. If the etiology of the symptoms can be delineated, separate disability evaluation may be assigned under multiple DCs for foot disabilities provided that the principles of 38 CFR 4.14 have not been violated.

• Consider 38 CFR 4.59 when painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology is present and  is a symptom of the plantar fasciitis.

• When SC is established for pes planus (DC 5276) and plantar fasciitis, evaluate the symptoms of both conditions together under the DC warranting the highest evaluation for the combined impairment.

• Since plantar fasciitis is associated with pain in the heel, while metatarsalgia (DC 5279) refers to pain in the forefoot, the symptoms should generally not overlap and separate evaluations may be assigned unless assessment of the evidence reveals that separate evaluation would be in violation of the pyramiding rules at 38 CFR 4.14.