Plantar fasciitis is a significant cause of plantar heel pain among runners and non-runners alike and is also a major cause of general foot pain. Plantar fasciitis affects both passive and active individuals. If you’re experiencing heel pain, plantar fasciitis physiotherapy offers effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our Foot Physio Melbourne team is experienced in comprehensive physiotherapy treatment for plantar fasciitis.
The most common type of plantar fasciitis has a gradual onset, caused by poor foot or lower limb biomechanics. Although plantar fasciitis can occur at any age, the inflammation worsens as we age, and our tissues lose elasticity and strength. This makes sense, given that the risk of developing plantar fasciitis is most significant between 40 and 60 years of age.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes and supports the foot arch. Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that causes swelling of the plantar fascia at its attachment site on the heel bone.
Inflammation can occur primarily at the point where the tendon connects to the heel. Repetitive stretching or tearing, which can cause irritation and inflammation, is one of the most common causes.
The heel is a part of the body designed to absorb impact when you bear weight. If pain develops, it can be extremely debilitating, making even standing or walking difficult.
Common causes of plantar fasciitis
- Plantar fascia injury can be either acute or chronic. While acute plantar fascia tears can occur in runners, most cases result from progressive and prolonged overload and strain.
- Standing for extended periods.
- Defective footwear.
- Exercising regularly by dancing, walking, or running.
- Improper foot positioning or overpronation.
- Overtraining.
- Having tight calf muscles.
- Weak stabilising muscles of the hip and lower limb.
- Being overweight.
- Having a high arch height.
- Improper biomechanics of the foot or lower limb.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis
The pain is usually worse in the morning, with the first few steps being particularly painful. High impact weight-bearing activities, such as running or jumping, aggravate the pain. The pain is usually restricted to the inside boundary of the heel. Typically, the inflammation gets worse over time, as does the intensity of the pain.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Cramps in the feet.
- Restricted range of motion.
- A tingling sensation or pins and needles in the feet.
- Gait issues.
Plantar fasciitis physiotherapy: can it help?
Plantar fasciitis treatment with physiotherapy is highly effective. Plantar fasciitis physiotherapy is similar to tendon pain management. This includes treating the initial symptoms before gradually loading soft tissues to promote strengthening and prevent recurrence. Our specialised plantar fasciitis physiotherapy programs deliver proven results.
Physiotherapy treatment for plantar fasciitis: a comprehensive approach
Plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed and treated with physiotherapy. A definitive diagnosis is required to ensure a positive outcome. Treatment is primarily determined by what is discovered during your assessment; however, a combined approach is generally utilised.
How physiotherapy supports healing
Our physiotherapists use a range of evidence-based techniques to address plantar fasciitis:
- Dry needling of the calf muscles and plantar fascia helps release tension and reduce pain by targeting trigger points in the affected tissues.
- Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy help improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and promote healing in the plantar fascia and surrounding structures.
- Joint mobilisations of foot and ankle joints restore normal movement patterns and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Supportive taping of the foot provides immediate relief by reducing pressure on the foot arch and supporting the plantar fascia during healing.
- Manual therapy techniques improve tissue flexibility and address any compensatory movement patterns.
Home management strategies
Between physiotherapy sessions, there are several strategies you can implement at home to support your recovery:
- Stretching exercises: Regular calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, and Achilles tendon stretches help maintain flexibility and reduce morning pain.
- Ice therapy: Apply ice to the heel for 15-20 minutes after activity to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Footwear assessment: Ensure your shoes provide adequate arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
- Self-massage: Use a tennis ball or frozen water bottle to massage the sole of your foot, rolling it gently for 3-5 minutes daily.
- Activity modification: Temporarily reduce high-impact activities and gradually return to them as symptoms improve.
- Night splints: Some patients benefit from night splints that keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position during sleep.
Rehabilitation and progressive exercise
Our physiotherapists will provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program of stretches and strength exercises tailored to your specific needs. This progressive program includes:
- Initial phase: Focus on pain management, gentle stretching, and reducing inflammation.
- Strengthening phase: Progressive strengthening exercises for the foot intrinsic muscles, calf muscles, and lower limb stabilisers.
- Functional phase: Balance and proprioception exercises to improve foot control and prevent recurrence.
- Return to activity: Gradual progression back to running, jumping, or sport-specific activities with ongoing monitoring.
We will also refer you to a podiatrist for an orthotics assessment if required.
How long does plantar fasciitis physiotherapy take to work?
Using physiotherapy treatments, most people with plantar fasciitis can see improvements within a few weeks or months. The majority of people will be fully recovered in 7-9 months. The key to effective plantar fasciitis treatment is determining the stage of recovery the condition is in and tailoring treatment to encourage repair.
Plantar fasciitis physiotherapy effectively relieves pain, and the sooner we can provide treatment, the sooner we can relieve your symptoms.
How do I permanently get rid of plantar fasciitis?
- Get evaluated by an experienced physiotherapist and start a plantar fasciitis physiotherapy treatment plan.
- Reduce strain on the tissue as needed, and allow enough time to heal between strenuous activities or treatments.
- Examine your footwear to ensure that it provides adequate support.
- If your case requires it, consider adding orthotic support and shockwave therapy.
- Determine the strength and mobility deficits that put extra strain on the fascia and make sure your physiotherapy plan addresses them.
- If you take the condition seriously and stick to your treatment plan, you will be able to get rid of your plantar fasciitis permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis with physiotherapy?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your condition and how long you’ve had symptoms. Most people experience significant improvement within 6-12 weeks of consistent physiotherapy treatment for plantar fasciitis. However, complete recovery typically takes 7-9 months. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes and can shorten recovery time.
When should I seek physiotherapy treatment for plantar fasciitis?
You should seek physiotherapy treatment as soon as you notice persistent heel pain, especially if it’s worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Early intervention prevents the condition from becoming chronic and makes treatment more effective. Don’t wait for the pain to become debilitating—the sooner you start treatment, the better your outcomes.
Will I need orthotics or surgery?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to conservative physiotherapy treatment without surgery. Your physiotherapist will assess whether orthotics may benefit your specific case and can refer you to our in-house podiatrists for a thorough assessment. Surgery is rarely required and is typically only considered after 12 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment.
Why is early physiotherapy intervention important for plantar fasciitis?
Early treatment prevents plantar fasciitis from becoming a chronic condition. When left untreated, the inflammation progressively worsens, tissues become more damaged, and compensatory movement patterns develop. These factors make the condition harder to treat and prolong recovery time. Starting physiotherapy early means faster pain relief and better long-term outcomes.
Final thoughts: plantar fasciitis physiotherapy
Plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated with physiotherapy; you should not expect the pain to go away on its own. This injury is frequently overlooked because it warms up as you exercise. However, every time you put weight on it, it gets more inflamed.
As your condition worsens, the pain will not subside, your injury will be far more challenging to treat, and your response to physiotherapy treatment may take longer.
