Plantar Fasciitis
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Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly around the heel and arch. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot—becomes irritated or degenerative, often due to overuse, increased activity levels, poor footwear, or altered foot biomechanics.ÂThe pain is typically sharp or aching and is usually most noticeable when taking the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Symptoms can also worsen with prolonged standing, walking, running, or high-impact activities. Everyday movements such as climbing stairs, walking barefoot on hard surfaces, or even standing for extended periods can become uncomfortable.ÂLeft untreated, plantar fasciitis can significantly affect mobility and daily life, but with the right treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed and resolved. If plantar fasciitis is limiting your activities, specialist physiotherapy can help by accurately diagnosing the condition, providing a structured rehabilitation plan, and guiding you through a safe and effective recovery.

How Solent Specialist Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Plantar Fasciitis
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Our expert physiotherapists use evidence-based treatments to help you recover from plantar fasciitis. A strong diagnosis is key to understanding the root cause of your pain, and we tailor a personalised rehabilitation plan to get you back to full function. Treatment focuses on graded rehabilitation, carefully monitoring how your foot responds to increased activity levels. If necessary, we can refer you for imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to rule out other conditions and guide treatment.Â
Personalised Treatment Plan:Â
1.Comprehensive Assessment – thorough evaluation of your foot, walking pattern, and contributing factors.Â
2.Activity Modification – Advice on reducing strain while keeping you as active as possible. This plays a huge role in getting your symptoms to settle.
3.Targeted Strengthening & Stretching – Progressive exercises to improve foot strength and flexibility.Â
4.Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Techniques – Hands-on treatments to help relieve pain and improve mobility.Â
5.Load Management & Graded Rehab – Carefully increasing activity levels to restore function without aggravating symptoms.Â
6.Footwear & Orthotic Advice – Guidance on supportive shoes or insoles to improve comfort and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.Â
7.Pain Management Strategies – Including taping techniques, ice therapy, and non-invasive pain relief methods.Â
8.Referral for Imaging or Injection Therapy – If necessary, we can arrange imaging (such as ultrasound) and provide steroid injection therapy- only if all conservative options have been exhausted.Â
By following a structured rehabilitation plan, we help you safely regain movement and confidence in your foot, ensuring a long-term recovery.
