Plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel; the pain occurs due to the development of tears in the plantar fascia ligament. In many of the cases people are not able to exactly identify whether they are actually suffering from plantar fasciitis or not.

Generally the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is done by understanding the pattern of the pain.  Those who have experience pain early in the morning when they get up from the bed are generally found to be suffering form plantar fasciitis.  If you are suffering from nerve entrapment or calcaneal stress fracture then the pain will increase as you increase your physical activity.  Whereas in the case of plantar fasciitis the pain subsides as the physical activity increases-infact this pattern of the pain helps a lot in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia ligament is flexible-it contracts and relaxes as per the application of the load.  When your body rests at night then this ligament tightens but when you take your first step early in the morning the ligament becomes stiffer causing intense pain.  But as you continue with your normal chores the feet gets warmer and the pain subsides.
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There are other factors which too helps in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis; if you have been standing for a long time and experiencing pain while walking or if you have lifted heavy weights which have put pressure on your toes and other similar physical acts which puts stress on your toes then one can conclude that they are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Proper rest to the foot, wearing of correct shoes and maintaining proper body posture are some of the remedial measures prescribed. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help in toning and providing flexibility to the muscles.  Medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken to reduce the pain but if none of the remedial measures proves effective then surgery remains the last option.  Better be in touch with your doctor and follow his advice religiously.