Plantar fasciitis can make everyday activities such as walking, standing and exercising uncomfortable. Physiotherapy can help you understand your symptoms and work towards improved movement and function.
Plantar fasciitis is a common source of pain around the heel and underside of the foot. Symptoms can vary between individuals and may affect walking, standing, exercise and other everyday activities.
A physiotherapy assessment can help explore your symptoms, movement, strength, mobility and the activities that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Your rehabilitation plan can then be tailored around your presentation and the activities you would like to return to.
Symptoms can differ from person to person. Understanding when and how your pain occurs can help guide your assessment.
Pain or tenderness around the underside or inner area of the heel may be noticeable, particularly during certain activities.
Some people experience increased discomfort when taking their first steps after sleeping or periods of sitting.
Foot and heel symptoms may make longer walks, prolonged standing or everyday movement more difficult.
Running, sport or other higher-load activities may increase symptoms depending on the individual presentation.
A change in training, work or daily activity can sometimes coincide with changes in foot and heel symptoms.
Ongoing discomfort can affect confidence with walking, exercise and returning to normal activities.
There may be several factors involved in foot and heel pain. An individual assessment helps determine which factors are relevant to you.
Treatment and rehabilitation should be appropriate for your individual presentation. Your physiotherapist can discuss suitable options following assessment.
Understand your symptoms, movement, strength, mobility and functional needs.
Where appropriate, progressive exercises can support strength, mobility and function.
Appropriate manual or soft tissue techniques may be considered as part of your treatment.
Rehabilitation can progress according to your symptoms, capacity and activity goals.
Your physiotherapist can help you understand how to manage activity and gradually work towards your individual goals.
This page provides general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment or diagnosis.
Discuss how walking, running, work and other activities relate to your symptoms and how activity may be progressed appropriately.
If exercises are recommended, completing them consistently and progressing them appropriately can form an important part of rehabilitation.
Paying attention to how your symptoms respond to different activities can help you and your physiotherapist make informed adjustments.
Rehabilitation can be tailored around what matters to you, whether that is everyday walking, work, exercise or sport.
Some common questions about assessment and physiotherapy for foot and heel pain.
Arrange an initial physiotherapy assessment to discuss your symptoms, understand your movement and explore a rehabilitation approach around your individual goals.