What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, involving
inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia�a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs
along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. This tissue acts like a shock
absorber and supports the arch of your foot during walking and running.
When the plantar fascia is repeatedly strained or overstretched, small tears can
develop in the tissue, leading to inflammation and pain. This condition typically affects
active adults between 40 and 60 years old, runners, people who are overweight, and those who
wear shoes with inadequate support.
Common causes include: repetitive strain from running or
jumping, sudden increase in activity levels, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, high
arches or flat feet, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, and wearing worn-out or
unsupportive footwear.
Symptoms of Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia � a band of tissue
that
supports the arch. It commonly causes heel pain that builds gradually.
-
Stabbing heel pain usually near the front of the heel
-
Morning pain first steps are the most painful
-
Pain after exercise often worse after activity (not during)
-
Tight calf muscles contributes to pulling on the fascia
-
Arch discomfort ache along the inside arch
-
Increased pain barefoot harder surfaces worsen symptoms
How We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis
Diagnosis focuses on identifying plantar fascia irritation and biomechanical contributors
such as flat feet, tight calves, or poor load control.
Physical Examination
palpation + fascia tension tests
Windlass Test
checks plantar fascia response
Gait & Arch Assessment
checks overpronation and foot mechanics
Footwear Analysis
identifies lack of support
Imaging Referral
if pain is severe or not improving
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Evidence-based treatments to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function
01
Stretching + Strengthening Plan
calf and intrinsic foot muscles
02
Orthotics
reduces overload on plantar fascia
03
Manual Therapy
tissue release and joint mobilisation
04
Load Management Plan
gradual return to activity
05
Night Splints (if needed)
improves tissue length overnight
06
Shockwave Therapy
for chronic or stubborn cases
Why
Early Treatment Matters
Addressing plantar fasciitis early is critical to prevent it from becoming a
chronic, debilitating condition. Without proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can lead to:
-
Chronic heel
pain
lasting months or years, significantly impacting daily life
-
Altered gait
patterns
causing secondary problems in knees, hips, and back
-
Reduced
activity levels
and inability to participate in sports or exercise
-
Development of
heel spurs
or calcium deposits on the heel bone
-
Plantar fascia
rupture
in severe cases, requiring longer recovery time
With early treatment, most people recover from plantar fasciitis within a few
weeks to months and can return to their normal activities pain-free.
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