Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- Overuse or sudden increase in activity – Rapid changes in walking, running, or exercise routines can overload the plantar fascia, especially without adequate conditioning.
- Poor footwear – Shoes with inadequate arch support, thin soles, or worn cushioning can increase strain on the heel and arch.
- High body weight – Excess weight places additional pressure on the plantar fascia, particularly during standing and walking.
- Flat feet or high arches – Abnormal foot mechanics can alter load distribution, increasing tension on the fascia.
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon – Limited flexibility in the lower leg can restrict ankle movement and increase pull on the plantar fascia.
- Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces – Occupations or lifestyles that involve long hours on unforgiving floors can contribute to microtrauma.
- Age-related tissue changes – As we age, the plantar fascia becomes less elastic and more prone to degeneration and thickening.
Treatments Available At EKFC
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciopathy, commonly known as plantar fasciitis, is a condition affecting the plantar fascia—a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. This structure plays a crucial role in supporting the arch and absorbing impact during walking, running, and standing. When the plantar fascia is repeatedly overstressed, it can develop microtears at its insertion point near the heel, triggering inflammation, pain, and progressive thickening of the tissue.
Over time, this overload leads to collagen disruption and scar tissue formation, resulting in chronic heel pain that’s often most intense with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Early intervention and biomechanical assessment are key to relieving symptoms and preventing long-term damage.
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
- Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning – Often described as stabbing or burning, this pain typically eases after a few minutes of walking.
- Pain after periods of rest – Discomfort returns when standing after sitting for a while, especially after long drives or desk work.
- Tenderness under the heel – Pressing on the bottom of the heel may reveal a sensitive or sore spot, often near the plantar fascia insertion.
- Worsening pain with activity – Walking, running, or prolonged standing can aggravate symptoms, especially on hard surfaces.
- Tightness in the arch or calf – Many patients report a pulling sensation through the arch or tight calf muscles, which can contribute to strain on the plantar fascia
- Pain that worsens after exercise – While activity may feel manageable during movement, pain often intensifies afterward as inflammation builds.
- Swelling or warmth in the heel area – Some patients experience mild swelling, redness, or a warm sensation around the heel due to ongoing tissue irritation.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Rehabilitation Exercises – Targeted stretching and strengthening of the plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Footwear Modifications – Switching to supportive shoes with cushioned soles and arch support to offload pressure from the heel.
Orthotics – Custom or prefabricated insoles to correct foot mechanics and redistribute load across the foot.
Shockwave Therapy – A non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing and reduces pain by delivering acoustic waves to the affected area.
EMTT – by stimulating deep tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery.
Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation or myofascial release to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
Activity Modification – Adjusting daily routines or exercise habits to reduce repetitive strain and allow tissue recovery.
Taping or Strapping – Supportive taping techniques to offload the plantar fascia and improve foot alignment during movement.
Ice Therapy – Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, a few times a day, to reduce inflammation.
Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter oral and topical pain medications, like ibuprofen, voltarol, Ibulieve gel etc can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Our dedicated team of podiatrists will listen, assess and form a tailored management plan to result all types of foot pain.