Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, usually felt at the underside of the heel or arch and often worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. Although the name suggests inflammation, many persistent cases appear to involve a mix of mechanical overload, microtearing, and degenerative change in the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel. Calf tightness, prolonged standing, rapid training increases, foot structure, footwear, and higher body load can all influence symptoms.

Treatment options vary because plantar fasciitis does not look the same in every person. Some cases are relatively recent and improve with load modification, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy, while others become more stubborn and may involve compensatory gait changes, myofascial tension, or overlapping diagnoses such as nerve irritation, stress injury, or inflammatory disease. Integrative care often combines Western approaches aimed at tissue loading and biomechanics with Eastern or traditional approaches such as acupuncture, manual therapy, and mind-body pain management, especially when pain has become persistent or functionally limiting.