Overview
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain and is experienced by many people worldwide. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue running from the heel to the toes — becomes irritated and inflamed. This strong band of tissue supports the arch of the foot, and when inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort, often interfering with daily routines and overall quality of life.
Please note: Access Ortho does not treat plantar fasciitis. The following information is provided for general educational purposes only. If you have heel pain or other symptoms suggestive of plantar fasciitis, we recommend seeking care from your general practitioner or a podiatrist, who can assist with diagnosis and management.
Access Ortho treats acute musculoskeletal injuries of the upper and lower limbs, including fractures, sprains, and strains. It also treats acute plantar fascia tears. Follow this link for further information on Plantar Fascia Tears.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the strong tissue band in the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This structure plays a key role in supporting the foot’s arch and absorbing impact during movement. When overstressed, this tissue can become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain. This pain is particularly felt with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
While the condition often resolves with conservative management, seeking treatment early can help prevent it from becoming persistent or more severe. If you have concerns that you are developing plantar fasciitis, the best first step is to consult a podiatrist or your GP.
What are the Types of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can present in different ways depending on its severity and duration. Common forms include:
- Acute plantar fasciitis: Recently developed heel pain, often linked to a specific change in activity, footwear, or surface.
- Chronic plantar fasciitis: Ongoing heel pain that has lasted for several months, often with thickening of the fascia seen on imaging.
- Plantar fasciopathy: A broader term sometimes used when degenerative changes, rather than just inflammation, are involved.
Each type may require slightly different treatment strategies, usually starting with rest, stretching, and appropriate footwear. If you have plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist is recommended to discuss strategies to help.
How Common is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a very common reason for heel pain, particularly in adults aged 40–60. It affects active individuals and those who spend long hours on their feet. Risk factors include an increase in activity, poor footwear, high or low foot arches, and prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces.
It is estimated to affect around 1 in 10 people at some point in their life.
If you have concerns about plantar fasciitis, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist or your GP to discuss them. Access Ortho does not treat chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms and Causes
Plantar fasciitis is often noted as a sharp or dull aching pain in the heel or along the arch of the foot. It is typically worse:
- With the first steps in the morning
- After sitting or resting
- After long periods of standing or walking
- After exercise (but not usually during it)
Some people describe it as a stabbing pain under the heel, while others feel more general discomfort or tightness through the bottom of the foot.
If you suddenly experience severe pain in the sole of your foot, hear a pop, or feel a snap during activity, you may have sustained a plantar fascia tear. This is an acute injury that requires rapid assessment. Access Ortho offers appointments for patients with possible Plantar Fascia tears. For Plantar Fasciitis, it is recommended that you see your GP or podiatrist.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when small tears or overstretching of the plantar fascia lead to irritation and inflammation. This can happen gradually over time or after a sudden increase in physical stress. Common causes include:
- A sudden increase in running or walking
- Prolonged standing, especially on hard surfaces
- Inadequate arch support in footwear
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
- Weight gain or obesity
- Poor foot mechanics, for example, flat feet or high arches
What are Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors?
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting plantar fasciitis, including:
- Age (most common between 40–60)
- Being overweight
- Having a job that requires a great deal of time standing or walking on hard surfaces
- High-impact activities, for example, running, dancing, or jumping sports
- Foot structure abnormalities (flat feet, high arches, overpronation)
- Tight calves or poor ankle flexibility
- Wearing unsupportive shoes, especially on hard or uneven ground
What are the Complications of Untreated Plantar Fasciitis?
If treatment is not started early, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic and debilitating condition. Potential complications include:
- Persistent or worsening heel pain
- Altered walking patterns, which can lead to knee, hip, or back pain
- Development of heel spurs (calcium deposits under the heel bone)
- Reduced activity levels and associated deconditioning
- Difficulty with daily tasks such as standing, walking, or exercising
Early intervention and proper management from a podiatrist or GP can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.
Access Ortho does not treat chronic conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis. Access Ortho is an acute orthopaedic injuries clinic for acute fractures, sprains and strains.
Diagnosis and Tests
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. A healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist or your GP, will ask about the history of your pain, what activities make it better or worse, and when the pain occurs. They may also examine your foot to check for tenderness, foot mechanics, and tightness in the calf or Achilles tendon.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
A general practitioner or podiatrist usually makes a clinical diagnosis after discussing your symptoms and performing a physical assessment. Imaging is not always necessary but may be used if symptoms are severe or if another cause of heel pain is suspected.
Key features that help confirm plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Tenderness to pressure at the bottom of the heel
- Tight calf muscles or limited ankle flexibility
- Pain that is noted to get worse with standing or walking
Which Tests do Providers Use to Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis is mostly diagnosed through clinical examination, the following tests may be used in some instances:
- X-rays – are used to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a fracture or heel spur
- Ultrasound – may show thickening or inflammation of the plantar fascia
- MRI – occasionally used if symptoms are not improving or another soft tissue issue is suspected
If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening heel pain, it’s best to consult a podiatrist or GP for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Specific Considerations for Plantar Fasciitis
Acute vs. Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
- Acute plantar fasciitis refers to heel pain that has developed recently, often triggered by a clear change in activity, footwear, or surface. Pain may come on suddenly and is often more responsive to early conservative treatment like rest, stretching, and footwear changes.
- Chronic plantar fasciitis involves ongoing or recurring heel pain lasting for more than a few months. In chronic cases, there may be degenerative changes in the fascia (known as plantar fasciopathy) rather than just inflammation. Chronic cases may require more structured treatment and a longer recovery time.
Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common among runners, dancers, and athletes who perform repetitive loading of the feet. It may be triggered by:
- Sudden increases in training volume or intensity
- Poor footwear or training surfaces
- Inadequate recovery or stretching
Athletes are advised to seek early assessment from a podiatrist or sports medicine GP, who can help with footwear modifications, activity modification, and guided rehabilitation to avoid long-term setbacks.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are areas of calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone, sometimes visible on X-rays. While they’re often associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs are not always the cause of pain. Many people with heel spurs have no symptoms, and many with plantar fasciitis don’t have a spur.
Treatment is typically directed at the plantar fascia itself, not the spur.
Bilateral vs. Unilateral Plantar Fasciitis
- Unilateral plantar fasciitis (affecting one foot) is more common and often related to specific mechanical or activity-related triggers.
- Bilateral plantar fasciitis (affecting both feet) may indicate more systemic factors, such as weight gain, poor footwear, or underlying inflammatory conditions.
Bilateral cases may require a broader evaluation and coordinated care, especially if symptoms are persistent or unusual in presentation.
Management and Treatment
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis typically improve with conservative care and time. Treatment typically focuses on relieving pain, improving flexibility, and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Early management can help prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.
First-Line Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
Initial treatment is usually non-surgical and may include rest, stretching, activity modification, and supportive footwear. A podiatrist or GP can help tailor an approach based on the severity and contributing factors.
Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Exercises to stretch the plantar fascia band and strengthen surrounding muscles can be helpful. A physiotherapist or podiatrist may provide a structured rehabilitation plan.
Orthotic Devices and Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis
Supportive shoes and custom or off-the-shelf orthotic inserts can reduce strain on the fascia. These are best discussed with a podiatrist, who will assess your foot mechanics and recommend appropriate solutions.
Advanced Interventions for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
For persistent cases, advanced treatments may be considered. These could include imaging, injections, or other specialist interventions. A podiatrist or sports medicine doctor is the best point of contact for further evaluation and management planning.
Prevention
How Can I Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
Prevention focuses on reducing stress to the plantar fascia. This includes maintaining flexibility, wearing supportive shoes, and avoiding sudden increases in activity.
Footwear Selection for Preventing Plantar Fasciitis
Choose well-cushioned, supportive footwear with good arch support—especially if you stand or walk for long periods. Avoid unsupportive shoes like flat sandals or worn-out runners.
Preventative Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
Regular stretching of the calves and plantar fascia may help reduce your risk. A podiatrist or physiotherapist can best guide you on suitable exercises based on your activity level and foot structure.
Outlook / Prognosis
What Can I Expect if I Have Developed Plantar Fasciitis?
With appropriate care, most people recover fully from plantar fasciitis. However, symptoms can persist for several months if not addressed early.
What is the Recovery Time from Plantar Fasciitis?
Recovery varies, but many people improve within 6 to 12 weeks with conservative treatment. Chronic cases may take longer and benefit from guided rehabilitation.
Will My Plantar Fasciitis Come Back?
Recurrence is possible, especially if contributing factors like poor footwear or tight calf muscles are not addressed. Long-term management strategies can reduce the risk of flare-ups.
When Should I See a Foot Specialist for Heel Pain?
Many conditions can cause heel pain. If your pain came on suddenly, is linked to a specific injury, or is associated with swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight, it may be a fracture or another acute foot injury. Early assessment by an orthopaedic urgent care clinic like Access Ortho is recommended in these cases.
However, if your heel pain has developed gradually over time, especially if it worsens in the morning or after rest, it may be plantar fasciitis. In that case, your GP or a podiatrist is the best first point of contact for diagnosis and treatment.
Access Ortho does not treat plantar fasciitis, but we are available for same-day or next-day assessment of acute foot injuries and other orthopaedic concerns.
What is the Role of a Fracture Clinic In Managing Plantar Fasciitis?
Fracture clinics, like Access Ortho, are designed to assess and treat acute musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures, sprains, and dislocations. Because plantar fasciitis is not caused by trauma or structural injury, it does not require fracture clinic care.
Patients with gradual-onset heel pain consistent with plantar fasciitis are best managed by a GP or podiatrist, who can guide treatment and refer to other specialists if needed.
If your heel pain began after a specific injury or you’re concerned about a fracture or other acute foot injury, Access Ortho can provide expert assessment and imaging.
Commonly Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis
Is it OK to walk when I have plantar fasciitis?
You can usually continue walking, but prolonged activity may worsen symptoms. Supportive shoes and activity modification may help reduce pain. You need to be guided by your podiatrist or GP.
What makes plantar fasciitis pain worse?
Pain can worsen with long periods of standing, walking on hard surfaces, unsupportive footwear, or sudden increases in activity.
How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis or a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed based on symptoms. Heel spurs may be seen on an X-ray, but aren’t always the cause of pain. A podiatrist or GP can assess and advise appropriately.
Do I need custom orthotics for my plantar fasciitis?
Not always. Some people benefit from off-the-shelf inserts. A podiatrist is the best therapist to assess your feet and recommend whether custom orthotics are appropriate.
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Many cases improve with time and conservative care, especially if addressed early.
Is surgery ever needed for plantar fasciitis?
Surgery is rarely required and only considered after extended conservative treatment has failed. This decision is made by a specialist, typically on referral from your podiatrist or GP.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciopathy?
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation; plantar fasciopathy refers to more chronic, degenerative changes in the fascia.
How long should I rest from running with plantar fasciitis?
This varies. It’s best to reduce or stop running until the pain settles, then gradually return under guidance from a podiatrist or physiotherapist.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and a plantar fascia tear?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition. It usually develops gradually. A tear often results from a sudden injury and causes acute, sharp pain. Sudden-onset heel pain after trauma may warrant an orthopaedic review at Access Ortho.