Plantar Fasciitis. A Simple Guide.

By Liam Anderson.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of your heel. It can make walking hard, especially when you first get out of bed or after sitting for a long time. But don’t worry—there are ways to help manage the pain and feel better.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis happens when a thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes swollen or injured. This tissue connects your heel to your toes and helps support the arch of your foot. It can cause pain in your heel when it gets hurt or overworked.

Signs You Have Plantar Fasciitis

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel. Here are a few signs you might have it:

  • Sharp pain in your heel, especially when you first stand up in the morning.
  • Pain after sitting for a long time.
  • Pain after walking or standing for a long time.

Usually, the pain starts small but can get worse if you don’t treat it.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Many things can cause plantar fasciitis. Some common reasons are:

  • Flat feet or high arches: If your feet are shaped differently, it can stress your foot.
  • Aging: This condition is more common in people between 40 and 60.
  • Standing a lot: Your job may require you to stand or walk for long periods, which can increase your risk.
  • Wearing the wrong shoes: Shoes that don’t have good support, like flip-flops, can cause plantar fasciitis.

How is it Diagnosed?

A doctor will check your foot to see where it hurts. They may ask you to walk or stand to see how your foot moves. In most cases, no special tests are needed to diagnose plantar fasciitis.

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Most people can treat plantar fasciitis at home or with simple methods:

  1. Rest: Stay off your feet as much as possible.
  2. Stretching: Gentle foot and calf stretches can help ease the pain.
  3. Ice: Apply ice to your heel to reduce swelling.
  4. Good shoes: Wear shoes that support your feet well.
  5. Pain medicine: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help with pain.

If these treatments don’t help, your doctor might suggest physical therapy, special foot inserts (orthotics), or even injections to help with the pain.

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

Here are some tips to help prevent plantar fasciitis:

  • Wear supportive shoes that fit well and have good arch support.
  • Stretch regularly to keep your feet and calves flexible.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet.
  • Don’t overdo it: Start new activities slowly, and don’t push yourself too hard.

When to See a Doctor

If your heel pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home treatment, seeing a doctor is a good idea. They can help you find the best treatment for your foot.

Final Thoughts

Plantar fasciitis can be painful, but with the right care, you can feel better and return to normal activities. If you have heel pain, don’t ignore it—take steps to treat it early to avoid more problems later.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis, talk to your doctor to find out how to treat it.

In the USA, plantar fasciitis is commonly referred to by these popular names:

  1. Heel Spur Syndrome – While technically different from plantar fasciitis, this term is often used interchangeably because heel spurs can occur alongside plantar fasciitis.
  2. Runner’s Heel – This is another common term, especially among athletes and runners, since the condition often affects people who engage in high-impact activities.

These names help make the condition more relatable, especially for people who might not be familiar with the medical term “plantar fasciitis.”

Clinics that treat Plantar Fasciitis:

Mentone General Practice in the Bayside area of Melbourne.