Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on April 12, 2025
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The main causes of plantar fasciitis are usually due to local trauma, prolonged overexertion, chronic irritation, or exposure to cold, which can lead to aseptic inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis. This causes pain symptoms, and in severe cases, it may affect the patient's ability to walk and engage in normal activities. Patients with plantar fasciitis must pay attention to rest and protection for a recent period of time, try to minimize local irritation, and absolutely avoid exposure to cold. Persist in actively applying warm compresses to the area every day, use topical ointments that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs along with drugs that promote blood circulation and remove stasis. With consistent treatment, recovery will gradually occur.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Is physical therapy useful for plantar fasciitis?

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is quite effective. It can reduce local inflammatory reactions and increase local blood circulation, thereby promoting the recovery of the plantar fascia and alleviating pain. Generally, there are many types of physical therapy; currently, the most modern and commonly used is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which has better effects than previous methods like electrotherapy and magnetic therapy. In addition to this type of therapy, local application of injections can also be used. Blocking injections can provide immediate pain relief, but their use is limited to once or twice a month at most, as excessive use can damage the plantar fascia and exacerbate pain.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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What should I do if plantar fasciitis is very painful?

Plantar fasciitis is mainly characterized by worsened symptoms after activity, with pain at the bottom of the foot, which tends to ease during rest. Typically, the most intense pain occurs when stepping down for the first time in the morning or when the affected foot bears weight painfully, possibly due to tension in the plantar fascia. This condition frequently arises in individuals who wear leather shoes or high heels for extended periods, stand for long durations, or walk on cobblestone pathways in flat shoes. Pain occurs when the plantar fascia is tense and gradually worsens, but rapidly alleviates when the fascia relaxes upon resting. Local heat application is recommended as it promotes dilation of the surrounding vessels, effectively stimulating blood circulation and thereby easing the symptoms. Additionally, it is suggested to reduce the amount of time standing and the frequency of activities, and to rest as much as possible in bed. Recovery is typically slow, generally improving gradually over about 3-4 weeks. For significant pain, medications that promote blood circulation and alleviate pain may be taken. If necessary, encapsulation therapy can be performed. In cases where repeated treatment is ineffective, fasciotomy might be considered, which can impact the function of the foot to various extents, yet the benefits outweigh the downsides and might be the last treatment option chosen. Many patients find that rest, along with medications that promote blood circulation and alleviate pain, physiotherapy, heat application, electric baking, massage, and others, help in alleviating the symptoms.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Where to massage for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition seen in clinics, often more frequent among women who wear high heels for extended periods on uneven surfaces, as this may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Due to prolonged tension in the soles of the feet, coupled with extended periods of standing and walking, this phenomenon can easily occur. Once it happens, treatments such as heat application, physiotherapy, massage, and electric heating can help alleviate the symptoms. Methods like massage and heat application can stimulate increased local blood flow, expand blood vessels, and accelerate blood flow, effectively alleviating symptoms and thus easing the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. It is best to rest strictly in bed for this condition. When standing, the weight-bearing on the affected foot makes the pain more pronounced. Symptoms naturally alleviate when the fascia is relaxed during rest. Treatments such as physiotherapy and massage, as well as taking medications that promote blood circulation and relieve pain, are needed. The improvement is a prolonged process, but conditions are prone to recurrence. It is advisable to wear softer sports shoes more often, with softer, thicker insoles to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is mostly caused by prolonged standing, such as wearing high heels or leather shoes for extended periods. The fascia remains tense under these conditions, leading to tenderness in the sole's fascia upon examination. Pain tends to intensify while walking or bearing weight and alleviates when resting as the fascia relaxes. It is best to diagnose and treat this condition early. Applying heat, reducing the movement of the affected limb, and avoiding tension in the fascia are advisable. Consuming medications that invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain can also help, generally improving symptoms within 7 to 10 days. Recovery might be slow in some cases due to fascial damage. Furthermore, repeated pulling or tension from standing and working can lead to recurrent episodes. Rest is recommended for such individuals, and wearing softer sports shoes during activities can be beneficial. Resting and taking blood-invigorating medications usually lead to gradual recovery. For severe cases ineffective with conservative treatment, surgical cutting of the fascia may be performed to relieve pain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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How to determine if it is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a type of aseptic inflammation. In diagnosis, there is usually a history of chronic strain in the plantar area, or frequent exposure to cold. Patients may feel stabbing pain in the plantar area, swelling in the plantar muscles and fascia tissues, widespread tenderness, and some exhibit definite tender points, affecting normal plantar activity. There is fascial tissue adhesion; when touching the plantar area, the skin may also feel hard and tight. Ultrasonography and MRI can be conducted, and combined with physical examination, a definitive diagnosis can be made. In treatment, conservative methods are used. Often soaking feet in warm water, applying external ointments that invigorate blood circulation and reduce stasis, performing acupuncture and moxibustion, strengthening exercises for the plantar muscle tissues, and taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.