What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is the most common cause of heel pain. The classic symptom is sharp pain in the heel with the first step in the morning.
Common causes
- Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
- Sudden increase in walking or running distance
- Flat feet or high arches
- Poor footwear with inadequate arch support
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
Signs and symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases with activity but returns after rest
- Tenderness at the inner base of the heel
- Heel pain when standing after prolonged sitting
- Occasionally, pain along the arch of the foot
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Calf and plantar fascia stretching programme
- Night splinting to maintain stretch while sleeping
- Strengthening of foot intrinsic muscles
- Shockwave therapy for chronic cases
- Taping techniques to offload the fascia
What you can do at home
- Roll a frozen water bottle under your foot for 5 minutes before getting out of bed
- Stretch your calf and plantar fascia for 3 minutes before standing in the morning
- Wear supportive shoes with good arch support — avoid flat slippers
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
When to visit VPARC
Visit VPARC if heel pain persists for more than 6 weeks or significantly affects your walking. Most cases resolve fully with physiotherapy, avoiding the need for injection or surgery.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.