Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the entire sole of the foot. It absorbs impact and helps lift the foot while bearing weight, playing an important role in walking. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which this fascia becomes inflamed and painful due to excessive stress, obesity or impact. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause chronic heel pain and interfere with daily life, so early treatment is needed.
01
Severe pain in the sole when taking the first steps after waking up in the morning
02
Pain when bending the toes up toward the top of the foot
03
Pain during weight-bearing movements
04
Stabbing, needle-like pain in the sole of the foot
05
A stiff feeling that lasts for a long time
Exercise that strains the sole of the foot
e.g. marathons, hiking, jogging
Flat feet or high arches (cavus foot)
Wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels or flat shoes
Sudden excessive force on the sole of the foot
Legs of different lengths
Plantar fasciitis is distinguished from heel fat pad atrophy, bursitis and stress fractures of the heel bone (calcaneus). Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. In most cases, other expensive diagnostic tests are not needed.
TREATMENT
Most patients recover with conservative treatment, and surgery is seldom needed. Pain occurs because the plantar fascia contracts overnight and is suddenly stretched in the morning. Using a plantar fasciitis brace to keep the fascia stretched overnight can relieve symptoms. Symptoms decrease after wearing the brace for about a week, and it should be worn consistently for 2–3 months for a full recovery.
Plantar fasciitis can improve with lifestyle changes such as plenty of rest, comfortable shoes and stretching. However, if it becomes chronic or the pain is so severe that daily life is impossible, consult a specialist.
[Medication]
Treatment with medications such as anti-inflammatory pain relievers to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
[Injection Therapy]
Steroids or trigger point injections (TPI) are injected into the painful area of the muscle to relax the contracted muscle. This treatment can be tried in the early stage.
[Physical Therapy]
Uses heat, air, light, electricity, ultrasound and more to promote tissue healing and improve movement for functional recovery and rehabilitation of the painful area.
[Manual Therapy]
A hands-on treatment for pain. A specialized physical therapist assesses each patient's mobility and muscle condition to strengthen the muscles and improve movement.
[Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)]
A device that generates shockwaves treats musculoskeletal pain from outside the body. The strong waves help form new blood vessels and stimulate the surrounding tissue and bone, making it effective for pain relief.
