What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain underneath the heel. It involves irritation and reduced load tolerance of the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that runs from the heel toward the front of the foot.
Pain is often most noticeable with the first few steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a period of time. It may ease as you begin moving, then return after prolonged standing, walking, running or other activity.
Although heel spurs may sometimes be seen on X-rays, they are not necessarily the cause of the pain. Assessment is aimed at confirming whether the plantar fascia is involved and identifying the factors contributing to the symptoms.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis usually develops when the plantar fascia is exposed to more load than it can comfortably tolerate. This can happen gradually or after a change in activity, footwear, training or time spent standing and walking.
Common contributing factors can include reduced calf or ankle flexibility, changes in foot and lower-limb strength, a sudden increase in walking or running, prolonged standing, changes in body weight, previous injury, and footwear that does not suit the activity.
The condition is not always caused by one single factor. Assessment helps identify which factors are most relevant for the individual so treatment can be targeted appropriately.
What Does Plantar Fasciitis Feel Like?
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain underneath the heel or along the inner side of the heel. Symptoms can vary from a mild ache to sharper pain that affects walking or activity.
Common features can include:
- pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed
- pain after sitting or resting for a period of time
- discomfort after prolonged standing or walking
- pain that increases after running, sport or a change in activity
- tenderness underneath or toward the inner side of the heel
Symptoms can overlap with other causes of heel pain, so an assessment is useful when pain is persistent, worsening or limiting normal activity.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on how long the symptoms have been present, how much they are affecting activity, and which contributing factors are identified during assessment.
Management may include:
- activity modification to reduce aggravating load while keeping you moving where appropriate
- calf, foot and lower-limb strengthening or mobility exercises
- footwear advice and temporary changes to shoes if needed
- taping or padding for short-term symptom relief
- orthotic therapy when there is a clear clinical indication
- shockwave therapy for selected persistent cases
- a gradual return to walking, running or sport as symptoms improve
Treatment is usually most effective when it is matched to the individual rather than relying on one single approach. Your podiatrist can assess the likely contributing factors and develop a plan based on your symptoms, activity and goals.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Consider booking an assessment if your heel pain is persistent, keeps returning, is getting worse, or is limiting walking, work, exercise or sport. It is also worth being assessed if the pain is severe, there is swelling, numbness or tingling, or the symptoms do not match the typical pattern of plantar fasciitis. A podiatry assessment can help confirm the likely cause, identify contributing factors and guide a treatment plan that suits your activity and goals.
Heel pain not settling? Book a plantar fasciitis assessment today
