Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in the UK, affecting roughly 10% of people at some point in their lives. It's particularly prevalent among runners, people who stand for prolonged periods, and those with high or low foot arches.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes irritated, inflamed, or develops micro-tears — typically at its attachment point at the heel.

Classic symptoms

• Sharp, stabbing heel pain with the first steps in the morning
• Pain that improves after a few minutes of walking but worsens after prolonged activity
• Tenderness at the base of the heel
• Increased pain after long periods of sitting or standing

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is highly effective for plantar fasciitis. Treatment typically includes targeted stretching exercises (particularly calf and plantar fascia stretches), strengthening exercises for the intrinsic foot muscles, manual therapy, shockwave therapy for chronic cases, and gait analysis to address biomechanical contributors.

Prevention strategies

Gradual increases in training load, appropriate footwear, regular calf stretching, and addressing foot biomechanics are all key prevention strategies. If you run on hard surfaces, consider switching some sessions to softer terrain.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within 6–12 months with appropriate physiotherapy management. At PhysioRevive, our sports physiotherapists use the latest evidence-based techniques — including shockwave therapy — to get you back on your feet faster.