How Physiotherapy Helps: Plantar Fasciitis
Written by Joanne Huynh - Physiotherapist
Also known as that super annoying pain at the bottom of your foot….
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis, also can be known as plantar heel pain or plantar fasciopathy, is an irritation or insult to the plantar fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs from your heel all the way along the arch of your foot and connects into the balls of your feet. This structure supports the foot arch and acts as a shock absorber when you are on your feet.
Is there any inflammation?
Interestingly enough, ‘fasciitis’ would indicate that there is inflammation, however many studies have shown that there tends to not be inflammation involved in this condition.
Why does this occur?
It usually occurs due to overuse or overload, where repetitive strain of the plantar fascia has led to microtrauma of the structure. There are some profiles that may put you more at risk of developing this condition such as:
Being female
Increased age (especially between ages of 40-65 years old)
Being overweight or obese
Being in a job where you are on your feet for prolonged periods (such as being a nurse, a chef or a teacher)
Being a runner
Having ‘flat feet’ or lower arches
Having stiff ankles
Remember the above are risk factors —- having any of the profiles above does not mean you will get the condition, just that you are predisposed.
How is it diagnosed?
Usually, it can be diagnosed by a physiotherapist through a series or clinical tests. It is unnecesary to have scan or imaging to determine this diagnosis unless something else was suspected.
How can physiotherapy help me?
The physiotherapist can help you with recovery through the following:
Advice on how to manage your symptoms - this can be through modifying your usual activities, or pain relief strategies
Education on the condition, and specifically the contributing factors that led to the pain presentation.
Pain management strategies that can include:
Massage or soft tissue techniques
Taping or strapping to support the arch if required
Dry needling or acupuncture
General advice on footwear, or discussions on referral to podiatrist as needed
Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia, as well as the structures of the lower limb to minimise overloading the sole of the foot.
Will I get better? How long will it take?
Fortunately, yes, most cases of plantar fasciitis do improve if the right steps and actions are taken. Unfortunately, it can be a slower recovery, taking up to 12 months to recover, but on average improve over 3-6 months. This is usually due to the fact that we, as adults, rely heavily on walking and standing in our day to day life and that is usually the activity that is likely to aggravate the injury if we do too much of it at the stage of recovery we are at. It is therefore beneficial to have guidance on how to manage the condition.
Is it not better that I completely rest then?
Unfortunately, the phrase: ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it’ is very relevant. Resting completely will continue to weaken the plantar fascia and is more likely to worsen symptoms when you do decide to walk or return to normal activities.
Feel free to click below on ‘Book now’, email at joanne@thephysioalliance.com.au or call on 0493 039 286 to get that heel pain sorted so you can get back to the things you want to do.
Citations
Buchanan BK, Sina RE, Kushner D. Plantar Fasciitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431073/
