Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
You’re at greater risk of plantar fasciitis if you:
Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. Changing the way you walk as a way to relieve this pain might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
At Vivacare Advanced Physiotherapy and Pain Clinic, our physiotherapists will assess the cause of your condition and advise you with an individualized treatment plan. The clinic provides the following therapies to bring you quick and long term relief:
Our therapists will guide you with exercises that can stretch your fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthen your leg muscles, which will make your ankle and heel more stable and prevent the recurrence of the pain.
If heel pain persists beyond two to three weeks despite rest and supportive footwear, or is affecting your daily walking, it’s time for a proper assessment and structured stretching/strengthening plan.
Overnight, the plantar fascia tightens in a shortened position; the first steps stretch it suddenly, causing that classic sharp morning pain — it typically eases somewhat as you move, though it isn’t fully resolved.
Not always — many cases improve with stretching, night splints and appropriate footwear alone. Custom orthotics can help selectively, and we’ll advise if your case needs them.
It can, though it’s more common in one foot at a time; if both feet are affected, your therapist may also check for broader contributing factors.
Many patients find them helpful, since they keep the fascia gently stretched overnight, reducing that sharp first-step pain in the morning — though they work best combined with daytime stretching.
Low-impact activity like swimming or cycling is usually fine, while running or prolonged standing may need to be temporarily modified — your therapist will advise based on your severity.
