What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia | the thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of your foot, from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of your toes. When this tissue becomes overstretched or overloaded, microscopic tears develop and cause pain and stiffness.
It is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, affecting around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. Without proper treatment, it can become a chronic, debilitating condition lasting months or even years.
Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning
- Pain that improves after a few minutes of walking but returns after rest
- Aching along the arch of the foot
- Stiffness and tenderness at the base of the heel
- Worsening pain after prolonged standing, walking, or exercise
- Pain when climbing stairs or standing on tiptoe
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia is subjected to repeated stress or abnormal biomechanical loading. Key risk factors include:
- Flat feet (over-pronation) or high arches
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
- Sudden increase in activity level or mileage
- Standing on hard surfaces for long periods
- Wearing unsupportive or worn-out footwear
- Being overweight
- Age (most common between 40 and 60)
Don't ignore heel pain
Plantar fasciitis that is left untreated can develop into a chronic condition. Early assessment by an HCPC-registered podiatrist leads to significantly better outcomes.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
At Grays Foot Clinic, we take a biomechanical approach to plantar fasciitis. Rather than simply managing symptoms, we identify and correct the underlying mechanical cause of your pain.
Biomechanical Assessment
We analyse your gait and foot mechanics to pinpoint exactly what is overloading the plantar fascia.
Custom-Made Orthotics
Hand-crafted insoles using plaster-of-Paris moulds to correct your specific foot mechanics and redistribute load away from the fascia.
Stretching Programme
Targeted exercises for the calf, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to reduce tension and accelerate recovery.
Footwear Advice
Expert guidance on the best footwear to support your foot type and prevent recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
With proper treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6-8 weeks. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can persist for a year or more.
Can custom orthotics cure plantar fasciitis?
Custom orthotics are one of the most effective long-term treatments for plantar fasciitis caused by biomechanical problems. They correct the underlying mechanical cause, not just the symptoms.
Should I stop exercising with plantar fasciitis?
You do not necessarily need to stop exercising, but you may need to modify your activities. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling are generally fine. Our podiatrists can advise on this during your consultation.