Symptoms:

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or bottom of the foot which most commonly occurs when taking the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a lng period of time.  Less pain or stiffness may be felt after taking a few steps.  The foot may hurt more as the day goes on and may hurt the most when climbing stairs or after standing for a long period of time.

Cause:

Plantar fasciitis is caused when the ligament that supports the arch of the foot becomes strained.  Repeated strain can cause small tears in the ligament which leads to pain and swelling.  This is most likely to happen if walking, running or standing for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.