Plantar Fasciitis

Foot - Pathology

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle, often worse in the morning or after prolonged standing.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Excessive foot pronation, calf tightness, and poor load management increase strain on the plantar fascia.

Clinical Rationale

Managing load and improving foot mechanics reduces plantar fascia stress and supports recovery.

Practical Solution

Reduce overload, restore calf/foot mobility, and gradually reload the fascia.

Common Compensations

• Antalgic gait
• Reduced dorsiflexion
• Arch collapse

Correctives

• Plantar fascia self-release (2x60 sec)
• Calf stretching (2x30 sec)
• Foot intrinsic strengthening
• Load management and progressive return

Progression

1. Level 1: Pain reduction
2. Level 2: Mobility and SMR
3. Level 3: Strength and balance
4. Level 4: Return to impact

Regression

• Reduce impact
• Shorten durations
• Use low-load exercises

Red Flags

• Severe night pain
• Swelling and redness
• History of fracture

Differential Diagnosis

• Fat pad syndrome
• Stress fracture
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Related Patterns

• overpronation
• limited ankle dorsiflexion

Related Exercises

• plantar fascia roll
• gastroc soleus stretch
• short foot

Related Assessments

• windlass test assessment
• knee to wall assessment