Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition causing heel pain, often described as sharp or stabbing, particularly noticeable in the mornings or after extended inactivity. It arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue linking the heel bone to the toes.

Signs and Symptoms

People with plantar fasciitis typically experience heel pain that is most intense when taking the first steps after waking or resting. The discomfort may ease with activity but tends to recur after periods of immobility. Other signs include foot stiffness in the morning and difficulty standing or walking for prolonged periods.

Common Causes

While the exact cause of plantar fasciitis can vary, several factors increase the risk, including:

• Overuse: Activities such as running, jumping, or standing for long hours can strain the plantar fascia.
• Tight calf muscles: Limited flexibility in the calf muscles can pull on the fascia, leading to inflammation.
• Foot structure: Flat feet or high arches can create imbalances in weight distribution, stressing the fascia.
• Excess weight: Additional body weight places more strain on the plantar fascia.
• Age: The condition is more commonly seen in individuals over 30.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Newcastle

Although painful, plantar fasciitis is manageable with proper care. At Gosforth Physio & Wellness, our physiotherapists in Newcastle offers tailored treatments to alleviate pain and restore mobility. These include gait analysis to identify biomechanical contributors, manual therapy to reduce tension in the fascia, exercise programs designed to strengthen the foot and calf muscles, and footwear advice to relieve strain on the fascia.

If heel pain is impacting your daily life, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. Our experienced physiotherapists will create a personalised treatment plan to help you step confidently back into action.