This can be an extremely painful condition causing pain in the bottom of the foot, usually the heel or the arch.  This is an overuse or repetitive stress injury usually due to muscle imbalances in the muscles of the foot and calf.  Often adhesions in these muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia restrict motion and put a tremendous amount of stress on the plantar fascia, a thick piece of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that attaches to the heel. 

The small muscles in our feet are usually very deconditioned and hardly used.  The joint receptors in the foot and ankle may be sending false information to the brain regarding position and reaction time. It is important to stimulate these muscles to provide stability for the complex joints of the foot.

Treatment

It is essential to assess movement mechanics and determine the main cause of tension and dysfunction.   Once this is determined, functional soft tissue therapy (A.R.T., Graston) will be used to restore normal motion and function to the tissues.  Functional rehabilitation, including mainly neursensory training to increase balance and stabiilzation, is very important in maintaining normal function.  Orthotics may be needed to support the arch if it has collapsed.