When is pain typically worsened for individuals with plantar fasciitis?

Individuals with plantar fasciitis typically experience worsened pain in the morning after waking. This happens because overnight, the foot is positioned in a way that allows the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, to shorten and tighten. When a person starts to walk after a period of rest, the sudden tension on the inflamed fascia can lead to sharp pain, commonly referred to as "first-step pain."

This phenomenon can diminish as the individual continues to walk and the fascia warms up, though discomfort may return after prolonged periods of inactivity or at the end of the day. The nature of this condition and its response to activity levels is crucial for understanding the management and treatment of plantar fasciitis.