The plantar fascia is a thin membrane, typically 2-4mm thick, which connects the heel bone to the ball of the toe. This membrane tends to be thinner in women compared to men. It helps support the arch of the foot and has an important role in normal foot mechanics during walking.  

What causes Plantar Fasciitis: 

1. Flat Arches and Excessive Arch Height 
2. Walking with exaggerated ankle movements 
3. Obesity  
4. Two feet – one tall – one short
5. The muscles and tendons in the back of the leg might become shorter and tighter.
6. As people age, the fat tissue in the heel area may decrease and shrink
7. Remaining in a single position for an extended period of time 
8. Suddenly starting intense physical activity 

How common is plantar fasciitis?  

1. Around 10% of runners experience this condition  
2. Active working adults aged 25 to 65 make up about 83% of all patients 
3. Plantar fasciitis accounts for 40% of all patients treated at the podiatric/foot and ankle clinic 

Symptoms:  

• 1. Heel pain typically occurs in the morning or when you remove weight from your feet after an extended period 
  2. The tender area of pain is located on the front inner side of the heel bone 
  3. It’s typical for the pain to intensify when bending the ankles or pointing the toes upward. 
  4. The pain increases when walking barefoot, on hard surfaces, and when climbing stairs 

Diagnosis:  

• Physical examination 
• Imaging tests /MRI, Musculoskeletal ultrasound, X ray/ 

Management and Treatment: 

• Surgical and non surgical:  
• Physiotherapy – (Shockwave, Laser, Ultrasound, Cryultrasound, Low dose radiotherapy, Super inductive system/SIS/

Exercises and stretches: 

• 1. Stretches for plantar pain relief
  2. Achilles tendon stretches
  3. Exercises for fallen arches

Orthopedic aids 

Arch Support Insoles              Tape                                                                               Night splints