Plantar fasciitis

What is it?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that helps support the arch of the foot, absorb shock, and distribute loads during walking and running.

Although the pain is typically located in the heel or the sole of the foot, the plantar fascia is part of a functional chain that includes the ankle, calf muscles, knee, hip, and pelvis.

Most common symptoms

• Heel pain.

• Pain in the sole of the foot.

• Stiffness when getting up in the morning.

• A feeling of tightness in the sole of the foot.

• Discomfort after walking or standing for a long time.

• Pain when starting to walk after a period of rest.

Why does it occur?

• Overload of the plantar fascia.

• Stiffness in the gastrocnemius (calves) and soleus muscles.

• Impaired ankle mobility.

• Deficits in foot stability.

• Biomechanical gait alterations.

• Sudden increase in physical activity.

• Dysfunction in the kinetic chain of the leg.

The importance of the kinetic chain

The plantar fascia does not function in isolation. The movement and function of the calves, soleus, popliteus, knee, and hip directly influence how the foot absorbs and distributes loads.

For this reason, treating only the sole of the foot may relieve symptoms but does not always address the root cause of the overload. A comprehensive assessment helps identify which structures are contributing to the issue.

Therapeutic approach

Treatment is tailored to each patient's individual needs and may include:

• Myofascial release.

• Deep dry needling, when indicated.

• Ankle mobility and stability exercises.

• Therapeutic exercise.

• Percutaneous Therapeutic Electrolysis (EPTE), when indicated.

• Gait re-education and load management.

Treatment goals

• Reduce pain.

• Improve foot and ankle mobility.

• Restore the load-bearing capacity of the plantar fascia.

• Optimize the function of the entire kinetic chain.

• Facilitate a safe return to physical activity.

• Reduce the risk of recurrence.