Condition
Plantar fasciitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of heel pain and how it settles.
- Ankle & Foot
Quick answer
Plantar fasciitis is heel pain from irritation of the plantar fascia along the sole of the foot, classically worst on the first steps in the morning. Most cases improve with stretching, load management and calf and foot strengthening, though it can take time.
Key facts
- It is the most common cause of heel pain.
- The classic sign is pain on the first steps in the morning.
- Most cases improve with conservative care, though recovery can be slow.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the sole of the foot, where it attaches to the heel.
It is a common overload condition. Risk factors include a rapid increase in activity, prolonged standing, reduced ankle flexibility and higher body weight.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The classic symptom is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest, easing as you warm up.
- Sharp pain under the heel, worst on first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases with walking then returns after rest
- Pain after prolonged standing or activity
- Tenderness under the heel
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Plantar fasciitis is treated with stretching, calf and foot strengthening, load management and supportive footwear.
For persistent cases, shockwave therapy has good supporting evidence and may be recommended. Recovery can be gradual, and consistency with exercises matters.
At Postura Wellness, care for plantar fasciitis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get a clear plan for your plantar fasciitis
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Injuries and Wounds — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bone Diseases — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine