What is fasciitis?

Fasciitis refers specifically to the chronic inflammation of the fascia, which is a connective tissue layer that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. This condition is characterized by pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected areas and can lead to restricted movement if not properly managed.

The other options describe different conditions: increased muscle fiber size relates to muscle hypertrophy, while a common muscle tear involves partial or complete disruption of muscle fibers. An infection of the muscle tissue refers to myositis, which is a different entity entirely. Thus, identifying chronic inflammation of the fascia precisely captures the essence of fasciitis, making it the correct choice.