Plantar Fasciitis  Plantar Fasciitis is probably the most common foot ailment any foot "specialist" will see.  Although commonly refered to as "heel spur syndrome", the heel spur that can result from plantar fasciitis is usually non-symptomatic.  The pain that is felt is from the continual inflammation of the thick fibrous band of fascia on the bottom of the foot.  Classic symptoms include pain in the heel first thing in the morning when initially weight-bearing or if you have been sitting for a while and then stand up.  The pain can also be felt at the end of the day if you have been on your feet for an extended period of time. TREATMENT:  Initially, the patient should be using cold (i.e. ice packs, frozen peas, etc.) to help reduce the inflammation, improve the healing process, and control the pain.  Athletes should reduce their impact sports and try cross training sports such as swimming and cycling which are less stressful on the plantar fascia. Physiotherapy may help whereby such modalites as Ultrasound, stretching, Laser, TENS (Transcutaneous Electornic Nerve Stimulator), Accupuncture and others that your Registered Physiotherapist may suggest.