Patient Information

Plantar fasciopathy

https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/plantar-fasciopathy

This is basic information on plantar fasciopathy and its treatment. It is not a complete guide and a physiotherapist may give you other advice specific for you.

Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice on pain relief.

What is the plantar fascia?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue (a ligament) that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber.

What is plantar fasciopathy?

Plantar fasciopathy is when the band of tissue under the foot becomes thicker and so works less well. It is caused by repeated overloading.

It used to be called plantar fasciitis.

What are the common symptoms?

The common symptom is pain in the bottom of the foot.

The pain is usually at the base of the heel but can spread along the bottom of the foot.
The pain is usually worse first thing in the morning for the first few steps of the day, or walking after resting.

Who gets plantar fasciopathy?

Anyone can get plantar fasciopathy, but it is more common in:

people who are overweight
people who are very inactive
athletes who train a lot
people with tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
people with weak leg or foot muscles
people who have lost strength or function after being unwell.

What can you do?

The pain usually gets better with time and changes of activity. A combination of treatments are likely to help – see below.

Reduce activities that make the pain worse.
Wear shoes that support and cushion the foot, such as trainers.
Try gel heel pads to cushion the heel. These can be bought at a pharmacy.
Ice the foot to ease the pain. Roll the bottom of the foot over a frozen bottle of water. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes a day.
Try the exercises shown below.

Exercises

Calf Stretches

These exercises help if your calf muscles are tight. They should be done every day.

Do not do these exercises if they increase your pain.

Stand with the front of your foot on a very small wedge to start with (for example, a thin paperback book). You should feel a gentle pull in the calf muscle or back of knee or ankle.
Hold this for 30 seconds.
Do this once a day at first. Gradually build to at least twice a day, but then eventually every 3 to 4 hours.
Gradually and slowly increase the holding time until you’re doing it for about 3 minutes, at least 2 to 4 times a day.

Once this feels comfortable, gradually increase the height. For example, move to a thick paperback book and eventually a thicker hardback book.
Repeat the cycle (as above) each time before moving up to the next height.

Keep your knees straight (pushed back) and stand tall and proud, without your bottom sticking out.

Strength exercises

Strength exercises are proved to be the best treatment for plantar fasciopathy. As with stretching, increase these gradually.

Do not do these exercises if they increase your pain.

Level 1

Start with a rolled towel under your big toes and the rest of your feet on the floor.
Push up onto your tip toes.
Hold for as long as is comfortable, 5 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Do 3 times a week.

Level 2

Put a rolled-up towel near the edge of a step.
Stand on the step with the ball of the foot on the edge and the towel under the toes. Hold on to something if you need to.
Counting slowly to 3, push up onto your toes, standing tall on one leg.
Hold for 2 seconds.
Slowly lower the heel towards the floor.
Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Do this 3 times a week.

Contacts

Physiotherapy

020 8934 2510 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm),
khft.physioop@nhs.net

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Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 8934 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For information accessibility please visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust

Support services

Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.

www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Switchboard 020 8546 7711

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Accessibility

Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)

PALS provides information, advice and support to patients and relatives.

Email: khft.pals@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 3993 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Pastoral and Spiritual Support Service

We offer a multi-cultural approach serving people of all faiths and life philosophies.

Phone the hospital switchboard: 020 8546 7711 and ask for the Duty Chaplain, we are available 24 hours per day 7 days a week.

Learning Disability Liaison Service

We support patients and/or their carers to prepare for a visit, including help to organise reasonable adjustments.

Email: khft.learningdisabilityteam@nhs.net

Phone: 020 8934 6895 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)