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Sunderland Integrated Musculoskeletal Service

Plantar Fasciitis

plantar fascilitis Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It may also be referred to as plantar heel pain, plantar fasciosis or plantar fasciopathy.

It initially involves inflammation of the plantar fascia which is the tough fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes and then after the initial inflammation settles a wear and tear process of the plantar fascitis results in more chronic problems.

It is estimated that 3-7% of the general population and approximately 8-10% of the running population will get plantar fasciitis at some point.

Plantar fasciitis is most commonly diagnosed history and examinationwith pinpoint tenderness meaning that diagnosis can be quite straight forward. In most cases imaging (e.g. ultrasound scan or MRI) is not required to confirm this diagnosis or plan management of the problem.

In the vast majority of cases patient’s symptoms will have resolved by 1 year. However, this can vary with some patients getting results within  3 months after taking the appropriate rehabilitation steps whilst others can still take up to 18-24 months.

Related Conditions

Exercises to help with Plantar Fasciitis

Soleus Stretch

What is needed: A wall or chair

Place your hands on a wall for support and take a step back with your affected leg. It is important that the heel of both feet remain on the ground throughout this stretch also try to keep the toes of both feet facing forwards now bend both knees until you feel a stretch in the back of the calf muscle on your affected leg.

Calf Stretch

Place your hands on a wall for support and take a step back with your affected leg. It is important that the heel of your affected leg remains on the ground throughout this stretch. Also try to keep the toes of both feet facing forwards. Now begin to bend the knee of your front leg whilst moving your chest towards the wall until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf muscle.

Seated Plantar Fascia Stretch

What is needed: A seat

In sitting grasp your heel with one hand and then slowly pull back your big toe with your other hand

Heel raise with towel

What is needed: A towel

Stand near a wall or the back of a chair for support if needed. Place a rolled up towel underneath the toes of both feet so your toes rest in slight extension. Your feet should be shoulder width apart with your toes facing forwards, raise your heels slowly on and off the floor you.

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