Plantar Fasciitis Pain

This article was contributed by Dr Robin Low Chin Aun, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgery at Pantai Hospital Cheras. To book an appointment or learn more about Dr Robin Low Chin Aun and his clinic, click here

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of plantar heel pain, especially among adults who spend long hours on their feet or engage in repetitive walking, running, or standing. Although the name may sound complicated, the condition is both common and manageable with the right care.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and helps support the arch while absorbing impact during movement. When plantar fasciitis occurs, the plantar fascia becomes irritated, strained, or inflamed, leading to a sharp pain around the heel.

In many cases, the pain is due to tiny tears or overstretching rather than inflammation alone. In some cases, heel spurs may be seen on X-rays, but they are not always the cause of pain.

What Does the Symptom Feel Like?

The most plantar fasciitis common symptom is a sharp or aching pain at the bottom of the heel. It often occurs:

• When taking the first few steps in the morning
• After sitting or resting for a while
• After long periods of walking or standing
• When walking barefoot on hard floors

The pain may ease with gentle activity but often returns later in the day. If untreated, some people may even develop chronic plantar fasciitis, where symptoms persist for months.

What Causes It?

Several factors can lead to plantar fasciitis. These include:

• Long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Wearing shoes without proper support
• High-impact sports or frequent running
• Having flat feet or very high arches
• Tight calf muscles or stiff Achilles tendons

The condition is more common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, though it can affect younger people too, especially those who are very active.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Doctors often diagnose plantar fasciitis based on a person's medical history and a careful physical exam. Imaging tests are rarely needed. In some long-standing cases, your doctor will ensure there’s no plantar fascia rupture or other cause for your pain.

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Home?

• Rest and keep your foot raised on a stool whenever possible.
• Use an ice pack or wrap frozen peas in a towel and place it on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
• Take pain relief like paracetamol, ibuprofen gel, or ibuprofen tablets if needed.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Get Worse?

Plantar fasciitis can get worse if left untreated. It is advisable to consult an Orthopaedic doctor if:

• The pain does not improve after a few weeks of self-care
• There is swelling, numbness, or tingling in the foot
• The pain interferes with walking, exercise, or sleep
• You experience frequent flare-ups or difficulty standing comfortably

Early assessment is important to avoid recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, which may be more difficult to treat and can significantly impact your lifestyle.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in KL (Kuala Lumpur)

At Pantai Hospital Cheras, our Orthopaedic team is experienced in diagnosing and managing plantar fasciitis. If you have questions about how is plantar fasciitis treated or how long it takes to plantar fasciitis recover, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.