Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, more accurately known as plantar fasciopathy, is a common cause of pain underneath the heel and foot. It involves irritation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that helps support the arch of the foot.
Pain is often most noticeable during the first few steps after rest and may also increase with prolonged standing, walking or running. The condition can be influenced by changes in activity, footwear, strength and load, so understanding these factors is an important part of recovery.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain underneath or around the heel, particularly during the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. Symptoms may ease as you begin moving before becoming more noticeable again after prolonged activity.
Possible Causes
Symptoms often develop when the plantar fascia is exposed to a level of load it is struggling to tolerate. Changes in walking or running volume, prolonged standing, footwear and the strength and mobility of the foot and lower leg can all contribute.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy can help identify factors contributing to your heel pain and gradually improve the ability of the foot and lower leg to tolerate load. Treatment may include exercise, activity modification and practical advice around returning to comfortable movement.
Ready to start feeling better?
Personalised care, built around you.
Every person is different, so the right approach starts with understanding your individual symptoms, circumstances and goals. Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment, talk through what may be contributing to the problem and answer any questions you have.
From there, we’ll recommend a personalised treatment and rehabilitation approach based on your needs, helping you move forward with a clear plan and the right level of support.