The 54-year-old man exhibiting foot pain following a walking program is most likely suffering from which condition?

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heel and along the bottom of the foot, particularly following periods of inactivity or after prolonged exercise, which makes it a common diagnosis in individuals who have increased their physical activity, such as starting a walking program. This condition is associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.

Patients typically report sharp heel pain that is especially pronounced during the first steps taken in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain often decreases with movement but can return after long periods of standing or walking. Given the context of a 54-year-old man experiencing foot pain after commencing a new exercise regimen, these symptoms strongly align with plantar fasciitis.

Other conditions may also cause foot pain, but they present differently. For example, Achilles tendonitis usually results in pain localized to the back of the heel and worsens with activity, specifically activities that involve the calf muscles. A metatarsal stress fracture typically presents with localized pain over the affected metatarsal and is often exacerbated by weight-bearing activities but doesn’t commonly show a gradual onset related to new exercise. Calcaneal bursitis presents with swelling