Plantar Fascia Pain, NOT Plantar 'Fascitis'

Plantar fascia pain is one of the most common causes for foot/heel pain.

You may have heard the term ‘plantar fascitis’ – this term is not an accurate description of the condition. More so because this injury/condition doesn’t necessarily relate to inflammation, but rather due to overuse/degeneration of the plantar fascia’s structure.

The plantar fascia has an important role in supporting the arch of the foot, as well as shock absorption. Typically, you may experience pain under your foot following a change in your lifestyle/habits (eg, wearing thongs more often, doing more sport, etc) – typically, overloading the foot is how it starts.

It can be super painful and super irritable. So, what can be done about it?

Physiotherapy assessment and management is an excellent place to start – in session, a physiotherapist can diagnose and use certain techniques (eg taping) to provide pain relief. Physiotherapists can provide further education about plantar fascia pain to help you manage your symptoms in your day-to-day life.

Most important to note, it has been found that strength training can improve the outcomes of patients with plantar fascia pain, with the majority of cases being successfully treated with exercise management. Physiotherapists can prescribe and progress strengthening exercises, helping to achieve your goals and get you back to doing what you love.