Plantar fasciitis pain typically begins in the morning with the first steps.

• A. In the morning with first steps
• B. In the afternoon after standing
• C. Only at night
• D. Only during intense running

Answer: (A)

Pain timing is what this item is testing. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, which tightens during periods of rest. When you take your first steps after waking, that tight fascia is suddenly stretched, producing a sharp heel pain. As you walk around, the fascia loosens and the pain often improves, though it can return with prolonged standing or after a long day. The other patterns—afternoon pain after standing, pain only at night, or pain only during intense running—don’t fit the typical pattern as well, making morning first-step pain the best answer.