Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. It's one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting about 10% of people at some point in their lives.¹

Classic Symptoms²

• Pain on bottom of heel
• Worst with first steps in morning
• Pain after prolonged sitting
• Pain may improve with walking, then worsen
• Tender to press on heel

Risk Factors

• Prolonged standing
• Obesity
• Tight calf muscles
• High arches or flat feet
• Age 40-60
• Running
• Poor footwear

Treatment³

First-Line

• Stretching (calf and plantar fascia)
• Supportive footwear
• Orthotics or heel cups
• Ice
• NSAIDs
• Night splints

If Persistent

• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injection
• Shockwave therapy
• PRP injection

Surgery (Rarely Needed)

• Plantar fascia release
• Only after 6-12 months of conservative care

Key Stretches

• Calf stretches (wall stretch)
• Plantar fascia stretch (pull toes back)
• Towel stretch in morning
• Rolling foot on frozen water bottle

Prognosis

Most cases improve within 10-12 months. About 90% resolve with conservative treatment.

References

1. Riddle DL, Schappert SM. Volume of ambulatory care visits and patterns of care for patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2004;25(5):303-310.
2. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Reischl SF, et al. Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014;44(11):A1-A33.
3. Simons SM. Foot injuries. In: Bracker MD, ed. The 5-Minute Sports Medicine Consult. 3rd ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2019.