planta fasciitis is a common foot problem causing pain in the heel the plop fascia or Arch tendon is a broad thick band of tissue that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot pain is often located towards the front and inside of the heel and may radiate further into the arch of the foot it is usually worse first thing in the morning as the planter fascia tightens up overnight after walking for a while it warms up and the pain may go only to return later in the day causes include overuse tight calf muscles and over pration of the feet treatment involves rest and applying cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation any biomechanical problems of the foot must be corrected with orthotic inserts stretching is important and the planta fasciitis night splint is a very effective product sports massage can be used to reduce pain and tension in the planta fascia and a simple taping technique can be applied to support the arch while it heals if symptoms persist then a doctor May prescribe a cortica steroid injection and surgery is also a possibility for more information visit sports injury clinic.net