What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. It is a condition characterised by microtears and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and provides both static and dynamic shock absorption, through the windlass mechanism.

What does plantar fasciitis feel like?

The pain is most commonly felt underneath the heel, particularly the medial side. Typically, it is a sharp throbbing pain on the first few steps in the morning, which can decrease as it warms up. With activities such as running or jumping, it is more painful initially, then pain may decrease after warming up, but the throbbing pain becomes more intense by the end of the session, particularly on weight-bearing. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that develops over time in response to a change in load on the plantar fascia, such as an increase in training or change in footwear. Due to the gradual onset, the pain can get worse over time if left untreated and become degenerative.

How can physiotherapy help plantar fasciitis?

Physiotherapy can help with plantar fasciitis by utilising a range of different treatments, to target the factors contributing to the pain. There is high-level evidence to support modifying training load, using ice and NSAIDs, which have been shown to be effective for pain relief. Stretches of the plantar fascia, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles are also effective for pain relief, while manual treatment can improve function and reduce pain when used in conjunction with stretching and strengthening. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the foot and ankle will help reduce the load through the plantar fascia, essential for rehabilitation and return to normal activities. Low-dye taping which involves using tape to support the medial arch of the foot is another effective, treatment option to reduce pain from plantar fasciitis. Management can also include wearing footwear with appropriate arch support; avoiding flat shoes and bare feet. There is research evidence to support using foot orthoses for medial arch support in those that have excessive foot pronation, which can be identified by physiotherapists, to reduce pain.

How long does a frozen shoulder take to recover?

It is crucial to treat plantar fasciitis early as it is a progressive condition that and will continue to get worse if left untreated. Recovery time will depend on how severe the plantar fasciitis has become when you begin treatment. It can take from 4 weeks to 4 months to ease symptoms and will be influenced by how severe symptoms are initially, and the goal you are ultimately trying to achieve.

Conclusion about Plantar Fasciitis and Physiotherapy

Our foot is a foundational part of our body movements. It’s still important to identify Plantar Fasciitis in the earlier stages as it can take up to months to recover the ease of symptoms based on what you want to achieve. If it does get worse you should definitely stop by and see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapist are experts in identifying and providing an active plan to get the best and fastest recovery process in place.

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About Maddy Keryk & Primal Physiotherapy

Maddy completed her Doctorate of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. When she’s not in the clinic, Maddy is a professional AFLW player for the Geelong Cats. Maddy enjoys implementing her knowledge as an athlete for holistic strength and rehabilitation. Being involved in sports her whole life Madyy understands the value of investing in her health.

Maddy is a Physiotherapist at Primal Physiotherapy which is a leading Physiotherapy clinic with state of the art rehab facility to help their clients return back to life, work, and exercise pain-free.

Primal Physiotherapy Braybrook 
10/227 Ballarat Rd
Braybrook VIC 3019
(03) 9995 8044
https://primalphysiotherapy.com.au/braybrook

Primal Physiotherapy Taylors Hill
127 Gourlay Rd
Taylors Hill VIC 3037
(03) 8315 7182
https://primalphysiotherapy.com.au/taylors-hill

Primal Physiotherapy Camberwell
782 Burke Rd
Camberwell VIC 3124
(03) 9973 3090
https://primalphysiotherapy.com.au/camberwell