Plantar fasciitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of heel pain and how it settles.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- t is the most common cause of heel pain.
- The classic sign is pain on the first steps in the morning.
- Most cases improve with conservative care, though recovery can be slow.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the sole of the foot, where it attaches to the heel.
It is a common overload condition. Risk factors include a rapid increase in activity, prolonged standing, reduced ankle flexibility and higher body weight.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The classic symptom is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest, easing as you warm up.
- Sharp pain under the heel, worst on first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases with walking then returns after rest
- Pain after prolonged standing or activity
- Tenderness under the heel
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Plantar fasciitis is treated with stretching, calf and foot strengthening, load management and supportive footwear.
For persistent cases, shockwave therapy has good supporting evidence and may be recommended. Recovery can be gradual, and consistency with exercises matters.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for plantar fasciitis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Sciatica FAQs
Why is plantar fasciitis worse in the morning?
The fascia tightens overnight, so the first steps stretch it suddenly, producing the classic sharp first-step pain.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
It can take several months. Consistency with stretching, strengthening and load management gives the best outcome.
Does shockwave therapy work for plantar fasciitis?
Yes — plantar fasciitis is one of the conditions with the strongest supporting evidence for shockwave therapy, particularly in persistent cases.
Can physiotherapy help plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Stretching, strengthening, load management and footwear advice are the mainstays, with shockwave therapy for stubborn cases.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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