Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment for foot problems. In many cases, the underlying cause is Plantar Fasciitis — a painful condition affecting the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

Whether you are an athlete, a busy professional, or someone who spends long hours standing, plantar fasciitis can make every step painful and interfere with your daily routine.

At the Foot & Ankle Centre, Dr Anand Jadhav provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment for plantar fasciitis, ranging from physiotherapy and advanced regenerative therapies to minimally invasive surgery for persistent cases.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes. It acts like a natural support cable for the arch of the foot and plays an important role in absorbing shock during walking, running and jumping.

Repeated stress can cause microscopic tears within the fascia, leading to inflammation, degeneration and heel pain. This condition is known as Plantar Fasciitis.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The condition usually develops because of repetitive strain rather than a single injury. Common risk factors include:

• Prolonged standing or walking
• Running and high-impact sports
• Sudden increase in physical activity
• Obesity
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
• Flat feet or high-arched feet
• Poor footwear
• Occupations requiring prolonged standing

Without appropriate treatment, repeated stress may cause chronic degeneration of the plantar fascia.

Are Heel Spurs the Cause of Heel Pain?

A common misconception is that heel spurs are responsible for heel pain. In reality, heel spurs are often an incidental finding on X-rays and are not usually the primary cause of pain. Most patients with plantar fasciitis improve without the need to remove a heel spur.

Symptoms

Patients with plantar fasciitis commonly experience:

• Sharp pain beneath the heel
• Pain during the first few steps in the morning
• Heel pain after prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain while climbing stairs
• Discomfort during walking, running or sports
• Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
• Tightness of the calf muscles or Achilles tendon
• Limping due to pain

Many patients notice that the pain eases after walking for a short distance but returns after prolonged activity.

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should seek medical advice if:

• Heel pain persists for more than a few weeks
• Walking becomes difficult
• Symptoms interfere with work or sports
• Home remedies fail to provide relief
• Pain recurs repeatedly despite treatment

Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and prevents long-term symptoms.

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Diagnosis is usually based on a detailed medical history, clinical examination, assessment of foot alignment, evaluation of calf muscle tightness and examination of the plantar fascia.

Investigations may include:

• Digital X-rays
• Ultrasound scan
• MRI scan (selected patients)

These tests help exclude stress fractures, nerve compression and other causes of heel pain.

Non-Surgical Treatment

More than 90% of patients improve with non-surgical treatment, although recovery may take several months depending on the severity of the condition.

Activity Modification

Reducing high-impact activities allows the plantar fascia to heal while maintaining general fitness through low-impact exercises.

Physiotherapy

A personalised rehabilitation programme focuses on plantar fascia stretching, calf muscle stretching, strengthening of the foot muscles, and balance and gait training.

Footwear & Orthotics

Supportive footwear, cushioned heels and customised orthotics help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and improve walking comfort.

Night Splints

Night splints gently stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon during sleep, helping reduce morning pain.

Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) may stimulate tissue healing and is particularly beneficial for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to routine treatment.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses concentrated growth factors from the patient's own blood to promote healing of the plantar fascia and may be recommended for chronic or resistant cases.

When is Surgery Required?

Surgery is rarely required and is considered only when symptoms persist despite 6–9 months of comprehensive conservative treatment. The decision to operate is based on the severity of symptoms, their impact on quality of life and failure of non-surgical measures.

Arthroscopic Plantar Fascia Release

For carefully selected patients, arthroscopic (keyhole) plantar fascia release offers a minimally invasive solution. Using two tiny incisions, the tight portion of the plantar fascia is partially released to reduce tension and relieve pain.

Advantages include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery
• Immediate protected weight bearing
• Minimal scarring
• Earlier return to work and daily activities

Many patients return to office-based work within one week, while return to sports is generally possible within 6–12 weeks, depending on rehabilitation progress.

Rehabilitation

Successful recovery depends on a structured rehabilitation programme. Rehabilitation focuses on:

• Restoring flexibility
• Stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
• Strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles
• Improving balance and gait
• Gradual return to walking, running and sports

Long-term stretching and appropriate footwear are important in preventing recurrence.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Prevented?

The risk of plantar fasciitis can be reduced by:

• Wearing supportive footwear
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Stretching the calf muscles regularly
• Gradually increasing sporting activity
• Replacing worn-out sports shoes
• Avoiding prolonged barefoot walking on hard surfaces
• Treating Achilles tendon tightness early

Why Choose Dr Anand Jadhav?

With over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and 12 years of specialist practice in the NHS, United Kingdom, Dr Anand Jadhav provides comprehensive care for foot and ankle disorders using the latest evidence-based treatment techniques. His expertise includes:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Pain
• PRP Therapy
• Arthroscopic Plantar Fascia Release
• Sports Foot Injuries
• Achilles Tendon Disorders
• Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation

Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility and helping them return to work, sports and an active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does plantar fasciitis take to recover?

Most patients improve within 3 to 12 months with appropriate treatment, although some cases may take longer depending on severity and compliance with rehabilitation.

Do heel spurs need surgery?

No. Heel spurs are usually not the source of heel pain and rarely require removal. Treatment is directed at the inflamed plantar fascia rather than the spur itself.

Can I continue exercising?

Yes. Low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming and upper-body exercises are generally encouraged while high-impact activities are temporarily reduced until symptoms improve.