Plantar Fasciitis

Physiotherapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and arch pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed, often leading to sharp pain during walking or standing.

At Rehab8, we focus on identifying the underlying causes of your heel pain and providing a comprehensive physiotherapy approach to relieve discomfort, restore movement, and help prevent future flare-ups.

1. What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Its role is to support the arch and absorb shock during walking, running, and other activities.

When this tissue becomes overstressed or overloaded, small tears can develop, leading to inflammation and pain near the heel or arch. The pain is often most intense in the morning or after long periods of rest, easing slightly as you move.
‍

2. Common Causes and Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis typically develops from repeated strain on the plantar fascia, rather than a single injury. It can affect people who are on their feet for long periods, runners, or those with poor foot mechanics.

Common Causes

• Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve running, jumping, or prolonged standing can strain the plantar fascia.
• Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can place uneven pressure on the heel and arch.
• Improper Footwear: Shoes with poor arch support or thin soles can contribute to irritation.
• Tight Calf Muscles or Achilles Tendon: Limited ankle mobility increases strain on the plantar fascia.
• Sudden Increase in Activity: Rapid changes in exercise intensity or duration can lead to inflammation.
• Excess Weight: Added body weight increases stress on the feet, especially the heels.
  ‍

Common Symptoms

• Sharp heel pain with the first few steps in the morning
• Pain after long periods of sitting or rest
• Tenderness or aching in the heel or arch of the foot
• Stiffness in the ankle or foot after standing for long periods
• Pain that increases after activity, rather than during it

Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent chronic discomfort or compensatory pain in the knees, hips, or lower back.

3. How Physiotherapy Helps Recovery

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis, helping relieve pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the foot and lower leg. At Rehab8, treatment is individualized based on your symptoms and the underlying causes of your pain.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Your physiotherapist will evaluate your foot mechanics, walking pattern, muscle flexibility, and footwear to identify contributing factors to your heel pain.

Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

Manual therapy, soft tissue release, and modalities such as ice therapy or ultrasound may be used to decrease inflammation and promote healing.

Stretching and Strengthening

Specific exercises are prescribed to stretch the plantar fascia, calves, and Achilles tendon while strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles to improve stability and arch support.

Gait and Posture Correction

We assess your walking and standing patterns to ensure even weight distribution and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

Footwear and Orthotic Guidance

Recommendations may include footwear changes or custom orthotics to provide better support and cushioning for your arches and heels.

Education and Prevention

You’ll receive practical advice on activity modification, load management, and home exercises to help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Takeaway

Plantar fasciitis can make simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable, but with the right physiotherapy approach, recovery is achievable. At Rehab8, we focus on reducing pain, improving movement, and helping you return to your active lifestyle with confidence and comfort.