Plantar Fasciitis 101

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain involving inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot from heel to toes. We treat it with a movement-based methodology.

What Causes It?

Repetitive strain from excessive running, prolonged standing and improper footwear. Poor foot mechanics — flat feet or high arches — plus tight calves and Achilles add tension to the fascia.

Symptoms

A sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, typically worst with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Intensity varies with activity.

Treatment Options

• Rest and ice to reduce inflammation
• Stretching and strengthening for calf and Achilles
• Physiotherapy — manual therapy, targeted exercises, gait retraining
• Orthotic inserts for arch support
• Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing
• Medication and, in select cases, steroid injections

How to Prevent It

• Strengthening exercises — calf raises, toe curls
• Optimise movement patterns to reduce compensation
• Gait retraining by a physiotherapist
• Proper footwear with arch support
• Warm up and cool down before and after activity
• Maintain a healthy weight

Why The Rehab Lab SG

Experienced physiotherapists, individualised treatment plans and a movement-based approach that targets the root cause for long-term relief.

Frequently Asked Questions