09/03/2026
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fasciitis is a fibrous sheath that runs most of the length of the sole of the foot.
The function of the fascia is to provide static support of the longitudinal arch and dynamic shock absorption. During walking and running, as you 'toe'off', the plantar fascia Tightens, assisting the foot to push off with force.
This condition may occur in individuals who do a lot of standing, walking or sporting activities, and in older individuals where the movement in the joints of the foot have become restricted.
Signs and Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis is common cause of heel pain. The pain usually occurs with activity and is also typically present in the morning when taking the first steps of the day.
A physiotherapist will diagnose plantar fasciitis when the pain is present on touching the affected area, and/or on stretching the plantar fascia.
Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is generally self-limiting and will resolve within 6-18 months. A physiotherapist will assess the mechanics of the joints of the foot to see if they are functioning correctly. If the joints are stiff and can be treated by mobilisations , where the physiotherapist gently moves the joints manually to remove the stiffness and restore the normal range of movement.
Stretching and Strengthening
Stretching and strengthening programs play an important role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and can correct functional risk factors such as tightness of the gastrocsoleus complex and weakness of the intrinsic foot muscle.
Other effective techniques include:
• Dynamic stretches such as rolling the foot arch over a tennis ball are also useful.
• Cross-friction massage above the plantar fascia and towel stretching may be done before getting out of bed and serve to stretch the plantar fascia.
• Intrinsic foot exercises used include towel curls arid toe taps. Exercises such as picking up marbles and coins with the toes are also useful.
• To do a towel curl, the client sits with the foot flat in the end of the towel placed on a smooth surface. Keeping the heel on the floor, the towel is pulled toward the body by curling the towel with the toe.
• To do toe taos, all the toes are lifted off the floor and, keeping the heel on the floor and the outside four toes in the air, the big toe is tapped to the floor repetitively. Next, the process is reversed, and the outside four toes are repetitively tapped to the floor while keeping the big toe in the air.
Shoes
For individuals with flat feet, motion control shoes or shoes with better longitudinal arch support may help.
