Please select the country or location you would like to see content from.
country picker icon
Close
Back
HomeShop
HealthSecrets
healthwords.aihealthwords.ai
Cart
Search
Menu
condition icon
condition

Plantar Fasciitis

Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Dr Roger HendersonReviewed on 13.10.2023 | 4 minutes read
EmailFacebookPinterestTwitter

Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the plantar fascia in your foot - is a painful condition characterised by discomfort under your heel when walking and is sometimes called ‘jogger’s heel’ although you do not have to be a jogger to develop it! It is quite common and is believed to affect up to 5-7% of adults at some stage in their lives, being slightly more likely to develop in women.

The condition is common in middle age, typically developing in people aged 40-60 and although the majority of cases improve on their own, it can cause significant discomfort in some people, having a huge impact on them.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

The condition typically causes pain and discomfort in the heel or bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

Heel Pain. Pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and may radiate along the arch of the foot. The pain is often described as a stabbing or sharp sensation.

Pain upon rising. Pain is often most severe with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, such as after sitting for an extended period or getting up from bed.

Pain after activity. Pain may worsen after prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity, especially activities that place strain on the fascia, such as running or jumping.

Stiffness. The foot may feel stiff or tight, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Tenderness. The affected area may be tender to the touch, especially near the heel or along the arch of the foot.

Swelling. Some individuals may experience mild swelling in the heel or along the bottom of the foot, particularly if the condition is chronic or severe.

Difficulty bearing weight. Pain and discomfort may make it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot, leading to changes in gait or walking patterns.

Increased pain with activity. Pain may worsen with continued activity or standing, particularly if the underlying cause of the condition is not addressed.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that seems to be caused by repetitive micro-tears of the plantar fascia - a very strong layer of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes and which serves an important role in normal foot function, helping to maintain the shape of the arches of the foot. Why some people develop plantar fasciitis is poorly understood but certain factors have been identified as potential causes of plantar fasciitis including obesity, repetitive activities such as running, an abrupt increase in activity levels, calf tightness, and poor quality or unsupportive footwear. In a very small proportion of people with plantar fasciitis, there may be evidence of an underlying inflammatory arthritis.

Sufferers of plantar fasciitis most often experience pain under the heel when bearing weight. The pain is classically worst with the first few steps in the morning and then gradually improves through the day. The pain can, however, be made worse after periods of exercise.

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

The majority of people with plantar fasciitis see improvement in their symptoms without needing any treatment although it often takes a number of months to settle. Simple self-help measures can be very effective at relieving symptoms caused by plantar fasciitis, including;

When to see your doctor?

If your symptoms have failed to improve despite these simple measures after six weeks you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or podiatrist for further management. You may be offered a structured stretching and exercise programme which is very effective at relieving your symptoms. Additional treatment options include wearing a specialised splint at night, ultrasound shockwave therapy and steroid injections.

What will my doctor do?

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your foot. If they are satisfied that you have plantar fasciitis they may refer you to see a physiotherapist or podiatrist, depending upon local services available.

Very rarely, if your symptoms fail to improve despite physiotherapist/podiatry input, you may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon may be able to offer additional treatments although surgery is seldom performed unless symptoms have persisted for more than a year and all other treatment options have failed.

Was this helpful?

Was this helpful?

Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed on 13.10.2023
EmailFacebookPinterestTwitter