Plantar Fascia Tear

Overview

A plantar fascia tear is a significant injury to the thick band of tissue between the heel bone and the bones in the toes, and supports the arch of the foot. Unlike plantar fasciitis (inflammation), a tear represents structural damage to the plantar fascia tissue requiring specific treatment approaches.

What is a Plantar Fascia Tear?

A plantar fascia tear is an injury to the connective tissue running along the base of the foot. The plantar fascia joins the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes and it also supports the arch of the foot. It provides shock absorption during walking and running.

A tear can occur suddenly, due to trauma, or gradually as a result of chronic strain. It may be partial or complete and typically presents with sharp, localised pain in the heel or arch of the foot. There may also be swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.

Plantar fascia tears differ from plantar fasciitis, which is caused by inflammation and microtrauma. A tear is a more significant structural injury that may require a longer recovery period. For further information on plantar fasciitis, see this link here.

What are the Types of Plantar Fascia Tears?

Plantar fascia tears are generally classified into two types based on how they occur:

• Acute Tears: These are sudden injuries that usually occur during sports, running, or jumping. A popping sound or sensation is often felt at the time of injury. This is followed by immediate pain and swelling. Acute tears are typically more severe and may involve complete rupture of the fascia.
• Chronic (Degenerative) Tears: These develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress or untreated plantar fasciitis. They often occur in people with longstanding heel pain and may present as a worsening of previous symptoms rather than a distinct injury event.

Both types can range from partial to full-thickness tears, and management depends on the extent of damage and functional impairment.

How Common are Plantar Fascia Tears?

Plantar fascia tears are less common than plantar fasciitis but are increasingly recognised in athletic and general populations. They are more likely to occur in individuals who:

• Have a history of chronic plantar fasciitis
• Participate in high-impact sports (e.g., running, basketball, dancing)
• Suddenly increase activity levels
• Have poor foot biomechanics or inadequate footwear

Although rare, complete ruptures can be debilitating and are more likely to occur in middle-aged individuals or those on long-term corticosteroid treatment for chronic heel pain.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fascia Tears?

The symptoms of a plantar fascia tear can vary depending on whether the tear is acute or chronic, but common signs include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the arch or heel at the time of injury (acute tears)
• Persistent or worsening heel or arch pain, particularly during walking or standing
• Bruising or swelling on the base of the foot, often near the heel
• Tenderness to touch along the fascia
• A “pop” or tearing sensation felt at the time of injury (in acute tears)
• Difficulty bearing weight or pushing off the toes while walking

These symptoms may mimic or overlap with plantar fasciitis, but tears are generally more painful and disabling.

What Causes Plantar Fascia Tears?

Plantar fascia tears can result from:

• Sudden trauma: A direct force through the foot (e.g., jumping, sprinting, or landing awkwardly) can cause the fascia to rupture.
• Overuse: Repetitive strain, especially in athletes or runners, can lead to microscopic damage that eventually results in a tear.
• Chronic degeneration: Long-term plantar fasciitis weakens the tissue over time, making it more vulnerable to tearing.
• Steroid injections: Repeated cortisone injections in the heel may weaken the fascia and increase the risk of rupture.
• Foot mechanics: High arches, flat feet, or tight calf muscles can all lead to increased strain on the plantar fascia.

What are Plantar Fascia Tear Risk Factors?

Several factors may increase the likelihood of sustaining a plantar fascia tear:

• History of plantar fasciitis
• High-impact sports participation (e.g., running, basketball, soccer)
• Sudden increase in activity or training intensity
• Inadequate or unsupportive footwear
• Foot abnormalities, for example, flat feet or high arches
• Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles
• Age (typically 40–60 years)
• Use of corticosteroid injections in the heel
• Obesity or excess weight, which increases the load through the fascia

What are the Complications of Untreated Plantar Fascia Tears?

If left untreated, a plantar fascia tear can lead to:

• Chronic heel or arch pain
• Ongoing swelling and inflammation
• Altered walking pattern (gait changes), leading to secondary problems in the ankle, knee, hip, or back
• Weakness or instability in the arch of the foot
• Incomplete healing or scar tissue formation
• Recurrent tearing or reinjury

Early diagnosis and a structured recovery plan are essential to avoid long-term foot problems and ensure a return to normal function.

Access Ortho offers rapid appointments for acute orthopaedic injuries, such as plantar fascia tears. To make an appointment, contact our Brisbane fracture clinic located in Indooroopilly or our Ipswich fracture clinic.

Diagnosis and Tests

How are Plantar Fascia Tears Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a plantar fascia tear starts with a careful clinical evaluation. Your medical provider will ask about the onset of symptoms, previous foot issues (such as plantar fasciitis), and any recent increase in activity or trauma.

During the physical examination, they will assess for:

• Localised tenderness along the arch or heel
• Swelling or bruising on the sole of the foot
• Pain with stretching the foot or standing on toes
• Weakness in foot push-off or limping

If a tear is suspected, radiology tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. They will also provide information on the severity of the injury.

Which Tests do Providers Use to Diagnose Plantar Fascia Tears?

The following tests may be used to diagnose plantar fascia tears:

• Ultrasound: A quick, non-invasive test that can visualise tears in the fascia. It’s especially useful for detecting partial vs. complete ruptures.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is accurate for imaging soft tissue injuries. It provides detailed images showing the tear’s size, location, and extent and can differentiate between fasciitis and a true tear.
• X-rays: While they don’t show the fascia directly, X-rays can rule out other causes of heel pain (like fractures or heel spurs) and may show secondary signs such as soft tissue swelling.
• Clinical tests: No specific named manoeuvre confirms a tear, but pain on dorsiflexion of the toes or palpation along the plantar arch can suggest injury.

Accurate diagnosis is very important to guide appropriate treatment, especially to distinguish between fasciitis and an actual tear.

The medical staff at Access Ortho are skilled in the care of orthopaedic injuries.

Specific Considerations for Plantar Fascia Tears

Plantar fascia tears vary significantly in presentation and severity, and several key factors influence diagnosis, treatment, and recovery:

• The type of tear (acute vs. chronic, partial vs. complete) affects treatment decisions
• Location of the tear (near the heel vs. mid-arch) may influence healing time and pain levels
• Underlying plantar fasciitis increases the risk of chronic tearing and recurrence
• Activity level and footwear choices can impact both injury risk and recovery
• Prompt diagnosis is crucial—many tears are initially misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, delaying appropriate care

Each patient’s recovery plan must be tailored to their specific tear pattern, functional needs, and goals, especially for athletes or physically active individuals.

Acute vs. Chronic Plantar Fascia Tears

• Acute Tears:
•  These occur suddenly, often during a forceful movement like jumping or sprinting. Patients may feel or hear a “pop” in their foot at the time of injury, followed by immediate sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Acute tears are usually easier to diagnose due to their sudden onset and visible symptoms.
• Chronic Tears:
•  These develop gradually due to repeated microtrauma or degeneration, often in the setting of long-term plantar fasciitis. Pain may worsen over time and mimic ongoing fasciitis, but imaging reveals actual tearing of the fascia. Chronic tears are more common in middle-aged adults and may require a longer recovery period.

Partial vs. Complete Plantar Fascia Tears

• Partial Tears:
•  Only part of the plantar fascia is damaged. These are more common and often treated conservatively with rest, moon boot use, and physiotherapy. Most partial tears heal well with time and supportive care.
• Complete Tears:
•  The fascia is fully ruptured, often causing more severe symptoms and a longer recovery. These are less common but may occur in athletes or those with longstanding fasciitis or prior steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in complex or recurrent cases.

Accurate imaging (usually ultrasound or MRI) is essential to distinguish between partial and complete tears.

Athletic Plantar Fascia Tears

Athletes are at higher risk of plantar fascia tears due to the demands of repetitive loading, quick direction changes, and sudden explosive movements. Sports such as basketball, running, tennis, and dancing frequently involve high strain on the arch.

In athletic cases:

• Acute tears may result from a sudden push-off, sprint, or misstep
• Chronic tears may be misdiagnosed as recurrent fasciitis until imaging is performed
• Recovery must be structured with a gradual return to sport, including strengthening, mobility, and loading progressions
• Footwear and orthotics are critical in both the prevention and rehabilitation phases

Many athletes return to full activity with proper care, though the timeline varies depending on the severity of the tear.

Management and Treatment

How are Plantar Fascia Tears Treated?

Treatment for plantar fascia tears depends on the severity, location, and whether the tear is partial or complete. Most plantar fascia tears, especially partial ones, can be treated successfully without surgery. The treatment goals are to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore foot function while preventing reinjury.

Treatment may include rest, immobilisation, supportive footwear, and physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for complete ruptures, chronic tears not responding to conservative care, or athletes with persistent functional limitations.

The orthopaedic team at Access Ortho will discuss the treatment options for your injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Plantar Fascia Tears

The majority of plantar fascia tears heal well without surgery. Non-surgical treatment typically includes:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoid activities that aggravate the injury, particularly high-impact sports or long periods of standing.
• Immobilisation: A moon boot is commonly used for 4–6 weeks to offload the fascia and allow healing.
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications: Help reduce pain and swelling, especially in the early stages.
• Elevation and compression: Can help manage swelling, particularly after acute tears.
• Physiotherapy: Once healing begins, a rehab program focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and gradual loading of the plantar fascia.
• Supportive footwear or orthotics: Shoe inserts or custom orthotics may help redistribute pressure and prevent reinjury during recovery.

Most patients see steady improvement over 6–12 weeks with conservative care.

Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fascia Tears

Surgery is rarely required for plantar fascia tears, but may be considered if:

• The tear is complete and causes persistent disability
• Conservative management fails after several months
• There’s significant functional limitation in athletes or active individuals

Surgical options may include:

• Debridement and repair: This involves the removal of damaged tissue and suturing of the torn fascia
• Fascia release (rare): Partial cutting of the fascia in cases with chronic tension or tightness, sometimes used in combination with repair

Surgery is usually followed by a period of immobilisation and a structured rehabilitation program. Outcomes are generally good, though recovery may take several months.

Rehabilitation After Plantar Fascia Tear

Whether or not surgery is required, rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery. A typical rehab plan includes:

1. Immobilisation and decreased weight bearing phase (0–4 weeks): This phase protects the tear by allowing limited or no weight bearing using a moon boot or crutches.
2. Gradual return to full weight bearing (4–6 weeks): Once pain and swelling settle, supervised reintroduction of walking and light loading begins.
3. Stretching and strengthening (6–12 weeks): Focused on calf flexibility, foot intrinsic muscle strength, and balance control.
4. Return to activity (3–4 months): Progressive reintroduction of sport-specific or high-impact movements guided by a physiotherapist.
5. Footwear and orthotics: May be prescribed to provide ongoing support during high activity levels or for those with abnormal foot mechanics.

A successful rehab program helps restore normal function and minimises the risk of reinjury.

The team at Access Ortho provide follow-up care to ensure a successful recovery is made.

Prevention

How Can I Prevent Plantar Fascia Tears?

To reduce your risk of plantar fascia tears:

• Gradually increase activity levels—avoid sudden spikes in training
• Stretch your calves and Achilles tendons regularly
• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce foot strain
• Strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower limbs
• Treat early signs of plantar fasciitis before they worsen

Footwear and Orthotic Considerations for Preventing Plantar Fascia Injuries

Wearing supportive footwear is key:

• Choose shoes with cushioning and good arch support
• Replace worn-out footwear regularly
• Use orthotics or insoles if you have flat feet, high arches, or a history of foot problems
• Avoid high heels and unsupportive shoes like thongs or ballet flats for prolonged walking

Outlook / Prognosis

What Can I Expect if I Have a Plantar Fascia Tear?

With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most plantar fascia tears heal well. Early rest, protection of the foot, and a structured rehab plan are key. Some discomfort may persist during recovery, but long-term outcomes are generally good, especially for partial tears treated promptly.

What is the Recovery Time from a Plantar Fascia Tear?

• Partial tears: Recovery typically takes 6–12 weeks with non-surgical management
• Complete tears or post-surgical cases: May take 3–6 months for full recovery
•  Returning to full activity varies by individual, depending on the severity of the tear and compliance with rehab.

Early diagnosis is important; the Access Ortho clinics offer rapid appointments for acute musculoskeletal injuries such as acute plantar fascia tears.

Will My Foot Arch Change After a Plantar Fascia Tear?

In most cases, the arch remains structurally intact, especially with partial tears. However, complete ruptures may result in a mild flattening of the arch or reduced foot strength. Proper footwear, orthotics, and strengthening can help maintain foot mechanics and prevent long-term issues.

The orthopaedic team at Access Ortho will discuss the best way to manage any change to your foot arch.

Can I Return to Running After a Plantar Fascia Tear?

Many people successfully return to running after a plantar fascia tear. A gradual return guided by a physiotherapist is important. Return typically occurs around 8–16 weeks for partial tears, and longer for complete tears or surgical cases.

When Should I Go to a Foot Specialist for Heel Pain?

Mild heel pain from overuse or a temporary strain can often improve with rest, ice, and supportive footwear. However, persistent or worsening heel pain may signal a more serious issue, like a plantar fascia tear, stress fracture, or chronic plantar fasciitis, that needs specialist attention.

You should see a foot and ankle specialist or visit a clinic like Access Ortho if:

• Your heel pain has lasted longer than 2 weeks without improvement

• The pain is sharp, sudden, or occurred during exercise

• You felt a “pop” or tearing sensation at the time of injury

• You have swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking

• Pain is worst when you stand after rest or first thing in the morning

• Over-the-counter treatments or stretching haven’t helped

• You have a history of plantar fasciitis or foot injuries

At Access Ortho, our experienced team can assess heel pain quickly, refer you for the right imaging, and guide you on an effective recovery plan—often without needing a GP referral. Early diagnosis leads to faster recovery and helps prevent long-term foot problems.

What Is The Role Of A Fracture Clinic When Treating a Plantar Fascia Tear?

A fracture clinic plays a vital role in the accurate diagnosis, management, and recovery of plantar fascia tears. While not a bone fracture, this soft tissue injury requires the same level of expertise in orthopaedics, particularly when symptoms are severe or persistent.

At Access Ortho, our fracture clinics provide:

• Expert clinical assessment by orthopaedic-trained practitioners
• Rapid referrals for imaging (ultrasound or MRI) at nearby, convenient radiology centres
• Prompt review of imaging results to confirm the diagnosis and determine tear severity
• Fitting of moon boots or offloading devices when needed
• Personalised treatment plans including rest, rehab advice, and onward referrals if required
• Close follow-up to monitor recovery and guide safe return to activity

Access Ortho offers fast appointments with no GP referral required. Whether you’ve had a sudden injury or a recent onset of heel pain, our team can help you get the right diagnosis quickly and support your recovery every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Plantar Fascia Tears

How do I know if my plantar fascia is torn or just inflamed?

Plantar fasciitis causes gradual, aching heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning. A tear often causes a sudden, sharp pain, sometimes with swelling or bruising. If the pain came on abruptly or feels more intense than your usual symptoms, a tear may be the cause.

What does a plantar fascia tear feel like?

A plantar fascia tear usually feels like a stabbing or sharp pain felt in the heel or arch, often following a popping sensation. Pain typically worsens with weight-bearing or pushing off the toes.

Can I walk with a plantar fascia tear?

Some people can walk with a mild or partial tear, though it’s usually painful. Continuing to walk without protection can worsen the injury. A moon boot and rest are often recommended early in treatment.

How long does a plantar fascia tear take to heal?

Partial tears often heal in 6–12 weeks with rest and support. Complete tears or post-surgical recoveries may take 3–6 months. Healing time depends on the severity and how early treatment begins.

Do I need an MRI to diagnose a plantar fascia tear?

MRI is often the best imaging tool to confirm a tear, especially when symptoms persist or the diagnosis is uncertain. An ultrasound may also be helpful. Your provider will decide based on your symptoms and exam findings.

Will I need surgery for my plantar fascia tear?

Most plantar fascia tears heal without surgery. Surgery is rarely needed and is generally reserved for complete ruptures, chronic tears, or athletes with persistent symptoms after non-surgical care.

Should I wear a boot for a plantar fascia tear?

A moon boot may be worn for 4–6 weeks to reduce strain and allow healing. Your provider will guide you on how long to wear the boot.

Can I still exercise with a torn plantar fascia?

High-impact exercise should be avoided during healing. You may be able to do non-weight-bearing activities like swimming or upper body workouts, but always check with your provider first.

Does a torn plantar fascia require crutches?

Crutches or a knee scooter may be used to offload the foot, especially in the first few weeks after injury or surgery. This helps reduce pain and prevent further damage.

What’s the difference between plantar fasciitis and a plantar fascia tear?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation caused by overuse. A plantar fascia tear is a more serious injury where the tissue has partially or completely ruptured. Tears often result from forceful movements or long-term fasciitis.

Will my arch collapse if my plantar fascia tears?

Arch collapse is rare with partial tears. However, complete tears may lead to some flattening of the arch. Supportive footwear and rehab can help maintain arch integrity during recovery.

How effective are PRP injections for plantar fascia tears?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are sometimes used to promote healing in chronic tears. Results are mixed, and this treatment is typically reserved for patients who are not improving with standard care.

Can I use custom orthotics to help heal a plantar fascia tear?

Yes. Orthotics can offload stress from the fascia and support proper foot mechanics, especially during recovery or if you have flat feet or high arches.

What stretches should I avoid with a plantar fascia tear?

Avoid aggressive toe or calf stretches in the early healing phase, as these can strain the fascia. Your physiotherapist will guide safe stretching progression based on your stage of recovery.

Will I need physiotherapy after a plantar fascia tear?

Physiotherapy is a key part of recovery. It helps restore flexibility, strength, and load tolerance in the foot and lower leg, and supports a safe return to activity.

Can a torn plantar fascia heal without treatment?

Healing without proper treatment is unlikely and may lead to chronic pain or reinjury. Rest, offloading, and guided rehab are important for full recovery.

What shoes should I wear while recovering from a plantar fascia tear?

Supportive shoes with good cushioning and proper arch support are essential. Avoid barefoot walking, thongs, or flat shoes during recovery. A moon boot is often required in the early phase.

How do I tape my foot for a plantar fascia tear?

Taping can help support the arch and reduce strain. Low-dye taping or arch support taping is commonly used—your physiotherapist can demonstrate the correct technique based on your needs.

Can I get a steroid injection for a plantar fascia tear?

Cortisone injections are not recommended for plantar fascia tears, as they can further weaken the tissue and increase the risk of complete rupture.

Will I have permanent pain after a plantar fascia tear?

Most people recover fully with proper care. Some may experience occasional stiffness or tenderness, but long-term pain is uncommon when the tear is diagnosed early and managed appropriately.