Fitzroy’s Ultimate Guide to Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that predominantly affects females, middle to old adults, and athletes. It is also commonly known as plantar heel pain, or simply, heel spurs. 

Our podiatrists are experts at managing plantar fasciitis, which you can learn about on our Podiatrists page. Dr Glen Whittaker completed his PhD on plantar fasciitis, which you can find here . . . if you are interested.

We have developed plantar fasciitis guides to help you learn more about the condition and how it is managed.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a swelling of a tissue called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a web-like connective tissue that crosses your foot arch; it stabilises, protects, and supports the arch when walking. The plantar fascia inserts onto the bottom of your heel bone, which is why people with plantar fasciitis experience heel pain.

Common symptoms you may experience include, sharp/shooting heel pain or feeling a stone or bruise pain at the bottom of your heel. Some people may have heel spurs, however this doesn’t mean that you will have heel pain or plantar fasciitis, and it also doesn’t mean your heel pain won't go away. 

Who is prone to plantar fasciitis?

The people at highest risk of developing heel pain from plantar fasciitis are those: 

• aged between 40 and 60 years old,

• who participate in high-impact activities such as long-distance running and ballet,

• who have a flat foot or high foot arch,

• who have a high BMI, which leads to extra stress on your heel,

• with occupations that require prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces as in teaching and construction,

• and require immediate plantar heel pain treatment.

What are some other causes of plantar heel pain?

There are many potential causes of plantar heel pain that may not be due to plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fascia Tear

Plantar fascia tears are acute injuries where all, or part, of the plantar fascia tears. Plantar fascia tears present as a sudden onset of high heel pain, which is then accompanied by bruises in the arch of the foot and swelling. Plantar fascial tears can occur in anyone, but are more common in those participating in high-impact activities. 

Plantar Fibroma

Plantar fibromas are small, benign nodules within the plantar fascia near the foot arch or heel. Once irritated or hit by force, fibromas can cause sharp plantar heel pain and arch pain when compressed.

Calcaneal Stress Fracture

Calcaneal stress fractures occur for two main reasons. The first, is for those with impaired bone health, such as osteoporosis. The second, is in those who undertake high-impact activities. Calcaneal stress fractures may feel like a deep dull constant ache, that also occurs at night time.

Fat Pad Injury

The heel contains a specialised type of fat pad and connective tissues that absorb shocks and protect the heel bone when walking. Some individuals may experience a breakdown of these connective tissues, possibly leading to heel pain.  

Nerve Compression

There are several nerves that enter the plantar heel and may cause plantar heel pain when irritated. People with nerve compression may experience electric shocks, tingling or radiating heel pain to the toes or up the leg.

If you are experiencing plantar heel pain, and have some of these symptoms, seek treatment at a plantar fasciitis clinic near you.

What are the best plantar heel pain treatment options?

There are several plantar heel pain treatment options. Yet, podiatry experts recommend starting with the low-risk treatment options first to manage your heel pain.  

1. Address the common causes of plantar fasciitis

Address common potential causes of heel spurs and get treatment, as necessary:

2. Modify activity levels

For active individuals, modifying activity levels and increasing rest periods will help the plantar fascia recover. Go for low-impact or non-weight-bearing exercises, like swimming, to improve heel pain symptoms. 

3. Reduce Weight

For those with a high BMI, weight reduction may improve heel pain symptoms and also prevent a recurrence. You may also like to seek proper dietary treatment from a dietician, and a health professional to recommend appropriate weight reduction exercises for heel pain relief. 

4. Change your footwear

Improper footwear (e.g. with a flat heel, little cushioning, or stiff soles) can further aggravate heel pain. Before seeking treatment, try to look for footwear with suitable fastening, mild heel lift, and some cushioning to reduce heel pain. 

For further advice on the most appropriate footwear for plantar heel pain, go to the nearest plantar fasciitis clinic. 

5. Do some stretches

Perform plantar fascia and calf stretches to decrease heel pain after long periods of standing and rest. 

6. Do calf strengthening exercise

Try on a simple calf strengthening exercise that will build muscle strength and reduce heel pain. 

7. Apply Tape to your plantar fascia

One of the medical treatments that plantar fasciitis clinics can teach you is to place a strapping tape on your foot. This tape will decrease the stretch of the fascia, and reduce your heel pain. 

8. Orthotics 

An effective plantar heel treatment for your heel pain is orthotics. When orthotics are used for plantar fasciitis, the aim is to reduce pressure on the heel, and prevent your arch from lowering. 

9. Shockwave Therapy

Your podiatrist may recommend shockwave therapy, which is an excellent, non-surgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.

10. Steroid Injections

Lastly, steroid injections are a recommended treatment for short-term relief of heel pain symptoms and plantar fasciitis. Only podiatrists endorsed to prescribe scheduled medicines can administer steroid injections at plantar fasciitis clinics.

Final Thoughts

Your first steps in the morning can be quite painful if you have plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. For effective treatment, seek expert heel spurs treatment from a podiatrist at a plantar fasciitis clinic near you, Fitzroy Foot and Ankle Clinic. 

We pride ourselves on the excellent plantar heel treatment that we provide. Get in touch with us, make an appointment, and experience high-quality plantar pain management.