Plantar Fasciitis describes irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that spans the sole of the foot and the base of the toes. The plantar fascia maintains the foot’s arch and absorbs load during walking. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain worldwide, with prevalence estimates ranging from 7% to 10% in the general population; being one of the most frequent musculoskeletal presentations in primary care (Di Caprio et al., 2025).
Symptoms are typically felt in one or both feet, though discomfort may radiate into the calf, the lower leg, or the toes when nerve irritation is present. The duration of symptoms varies considerably, with many individuals experiencing pain for several weeks to several months depending on the underlying cause, the chronicity of the condition, and the timeliness of intervention. Early intervention is one of the strongest predictors of faster recovery, a finding consistently supported across epidemiological studies (Ali et al., 2024).
Plantar Fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes overloaded or irritated. This tissue can tolerate substantial mechanical stress, however, repetitive strain, sudden increases in activity, or biomechanical inefficiencies can exceed its capacity. Mechanical overload is the most consistent risk factor identified in the literature, particularly in individuals who spend prolonged periods standing or walking (Riaz et al., 2025). Age‑related changes, occupational demands, and acute or cumulative trauma also contribute to symptom onset. A cross‑sectional study of adults found that occupational standing for more than eight hours per day significantly increased the likelihood of developing Plantar Fasciitis (Joshi & Rabra, 2025). Another study demonstrated that younger adults, particularly females in physically demanding roles, show a rising incidence of plantar fascia–related pain (Ali et al., 2024).
Understanding the multifactorial nature of this condition is essential for effective management. Load management is the cornerstone of Plantar Fasciitis treatment, and this principle holds true across conservative care pathways (Di Caprio et al., 2025). Treatment strategies often include activity modification, targeted physiotherapy, strengthening of intrinsic foot musculature, and supportive footwear or orthoses. Evidence suggests that up to 90% of individuals experience significant improvement within six months of structured conservative treatment (Di Caprio et al., 2025). This reinforces a key message: most cases of Plantar Fasciitis resolve without surgery when managed appropriately.
Management of Plantar Fasciitis depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. Your first assessment will explore all of these aspects, laying the groundwork for reducing pain and improving comfort. From there, your treatment plan will be personalised to target the root cause, with a focus on easing pain, restoring free movement, and building strategies to reduce the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we guide you with practical education, structured care, and ongoing support both in the clinic and at home. To make treatment accessible, we’re open seven days a week with evening appointments available, we offer bulk billing for eligible clients, and there are no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward moving with ease and confidence, supported by care that is consistent, straightforward, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Ali, Q., Long, Y., & Ali, M. (2024). Prevalence, causes, and treatment of plantar fasciitis in young females of a medical college. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 29(1), 31.
Di Caprio, F., Gigli, M., & Ponziani, L. (2023). Plantar fasciitis: A literature review. Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Rehabilitation, 32
Joshi, S., & Rabra, S. (2025). Emerging incidence of plantar fasciitis in adults: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Research and Review, 12(2).
Riaz, F., Waseem, I., Sarfraz, M., Qamar, L., Abid, M., & Manan, R. (2025). Prevalence of plantar fasciitis and its contributing factors among working women. The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5(1), 97-103.