Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain Caused by Inflammation of the Plantar Fascia — Treatable With Guided Care
About Foot and Ankle Fractures
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
It occurs when the plantar fascia — a strong band of tissue running from your heel to your toes — becomes inflamed, irritated, or overstretched.
This condition can cause sharp, stabbing pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Symptoms
Sharp pain at the bottom of the heel
Pain with first steps in the morning
Pain after long standing or walking
Heel stiffness or tightness
Increased pain after exercise (not during)
Mild swelling around the heel
Causes
Prolonged standing or walking
Flat feet or high arches
Tight calf muscles
Sudden increase in activity
Hard or uneven walking surfaces
Poor footwear without arch support
Being overweight
Who is at Risk?
Runners and athletes
Teachers, retail workers, security staff — jobs requiring long standing
Individuals aged 30–60
People with foot deformities
Those wearing unsupportive footwear
Diabetics
How We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis
Diagnosis includes:
Physical examination
Heel pressure point assessment
Gait & posture analysis
Range-of-motion testing
Digital X-ray (to rule out heel spur, fracture)
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most patients recover fully with structured conservative care:
Physiotherapy — stretching & strengthening exercises
Plantar fascia & calf stretches
Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
Orthotic insoles for arch support
Night splints to reduce morning pain
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Footwear correction
Tapping or strapping techniques
Advanced Options
If initial treatments don’t help:
Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
Ultrasound-guided injections
Orthobiologics for tissue healing
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely needed and only considered when pain persists after 6–12 months of consistent treatment.
Recovery & Results
With proper treatment:
Most patients improve within 6–12 weeks
Full recovery can take 3–6 months
Supportive footwear + physiotherapy = best long-term outcome
Patients typically experience:
Reduced heel pain
Improved walking ability
Better mobility in the morning
Long-term prevention of recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is plantar fasciitis the same as heel spur?
No, but they can occur together. A heel spur is a bone growth; plantar fasciitis is soft-tissue inflammation.
Can plantar fasciitis heal on its own?
It may improve with rest, but structured treatment ensures faster and complete recovery.
Should I stop exercising?
High-impact activities should be reduced, but low-impact exercises are safe.
Does footwear matter?
Yes. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning significantly reduce pain and recurrence.