Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is the most common cause of arch and/or heel pain and occurs in sedentary and active individuals. The pain most commonly occurs at the front of the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus).

Symptoms are typically sharp in nature and present after initially standing in the morning, after prolonged standing or when returning to standing after being seated for some time. PF is more common in runners and overweight individuals and can be associated with other factors like arch type, lower body strength and overall ankle and foot mobility.

Physical therapy treatment typically involves improving foot and ankle mobility and improving the load tolerance capacity of the plantar fascia and muscles in the sole of the foot.

If you think you might have PF, be sure to checkout our plantar fasciitis program as a simple set of home exercises can often be effective in terms of reducing pain and improving one’s overall function.