Plantar Fasciitis

What is it?

The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band, found on the underside of the foot that helps to support the arches and deep muscles of the foot. Over time, if there is too much stress placed on the plantar fascia, it can begin to degenerate, causing pain when the foot is placed under load.

This condition can be difficult to treat, as it is a progressive conditioning that can be self-limiting. In some cases, plantar fasciitis can resolve itself, however without treatment the condition can take up to two years to completely resolve itself and be extremely painful in the meantime.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms are pain on the inside of the heel in the mornings; commonly the first steps cause the most pain. As the condition progresses, there may be pain when walking and running.  In severe cases, the pain may be felt at all times, including when at rest.

What is the cause?

In athletes, the causes is commonly training program errors, such as poor biomechanics, tight calves and inadequate support offered by footwear. For other individuals, risk factors include age, poor footwear choices and increased weight.

How can physiotherapy help?

Treatment will begin with diagnosis and identification of contributing factors. Treatment may include the application of low-dye taping, to unload the fascia as well as using hand on techniques to restore flexibility to the calf muscles and fascia. Both of which can provide pain relief in the early stages of treatment. Following the acute phase, a rehabilitation plan will be implemented, potentially focusing on loading exercises, stretches and recommending the proper footwear. They may also assess and modify your running style if this is a contributing factor in the condition.

Other medical treatment options exist, such as heel spur removal, shockwave therapy and steroidal injection. However, these treatments are seen to work best if used in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy.

None of the information in this newsletter is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a

medical professional for advice on your injury.

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