The human foot absorbs a lot of pressure from the body. Whether athletic strains or heavy body mass, the muscles can sometimes be taxed and become inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is one of the foot conditions caused by this. What Symptoms Can I Expect? The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Standing for long periods of time is difficult, and walking is painful. Shooting pain through the back of the heel is caused by swelling of the plantar fascia muscle that stretches from where it meets the heel to the ball of the foot, just behind the toes. What Causes the Condition? People who suffer from high weight gain are prone to the condition, especially when calf muscles are not properly exercised regularly. Athletic individuals, such as runners and dancers who frequently impact their feet against a sturdy surface, may experience these frequent sharp, shooting sensations as well. People suffering from plantar fasciitis find it painful to take the first few steps in the morning after a long night's rest. The plantar fascia muscle runs beneath the foot's arch and may cause problems for people with flat feet or high arches.