In brief: Plantar fasciitis is a prolonged overuse injury that is potentially incapacitating and causes heel or arch pain. It is common among runners and athletes who participate in jumping sports such as basketball. The onset of pain is insidious, and an athlete may tolerate it for weeks before seeking medical advice. Although few runners can remember a particular moment or event when pain began, plantar fasciitis usually occurs after sudden increases in mileage, frequency of running, or running speed. Combined therapy, including relative rest, Achilles tendon stretching, medication, and heel cups, alleviates the pain in most athletes.