Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain under the heel and arch of the foot. It involves irritation and overload of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes.

In more longstanding cases, the condition may involve degeneration and reduced tissue capacity rather than inflammation alone.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain under the heel, especially first thing in the morning
• Pain with the first few steps after sitting or resting
• Pain after standing or walking for long periods
• Pain after exercise or activity
• Tenderness under or around the heel
• Stiffness or tightness through the arch or calf

Causes

Plantar fasciitis is usually related to excessive load or strain through the plantar fascia over time.

Common contributing factors may include:

• Tight calf muscles
• Reduced ankle mobility
• Flat feet or high arches
• Changes in activity levels
• Prolonged standing
• Footwear
• Weight gain
• Running and walking overload

Because your feet form the foundation of movement, factors higher up the kinetic chain — including ankle mobility, calf strength, knee function, and overall walking mechanics — may also influence how load is transferred through the plantar fascia.

When to see a podiatrist

You should consider an assessment if your heel pain:

• Persists for more than 1–2 weeks
• Affects your walking, exercise, work, or sleep
• Continues to worsen
• Keeps returning despite rest or home treatment

Early assessment and management can often help prevent the condition from becoming longstanding and more difficult to treat.

How we treat plantar fasciitis

At Masterton Foot Clinic, plantar heel pain is one of the most common conditions we assess and manage.

Our Proven Process focuses not only on reducing pain but also on identifying and addressing the contributing factors that may have led to the condition developing in the first place.

We begin by understanding how your feet and lower limbs function under real-life load and movement before tailoring treatment to your condition, goals, lifestyle, and activity levels.

Our approach commonly focuses on:

• Reducing excessive load through the plantar fascia
• Improving foot and ankle mobility
• Restoring strength and tissue capacity
• Improving footwear and support
• Helping prevent recurrence long-term

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

• Footwear advice
• Stretching and strengthening programmes
• Orthotics or bracing
• Load management strategies
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
• Shockwave Therapy
• Rehabilitation programmes tailored to your goals and activity levels