How to determine if it is plantar fasciitis?

Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
Updated on April 18, 2025
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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.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Plantar fasciitis clinical symptoms

The clinical manifestation of plantar fasciitis primarily involves pain on the inner side of the foot when bearing weight, particularly severe during excessive weight-bearing activities. This pain can significantly affect your posture while walking and has a substantial impact on daily life. Currently, there are two main treatments used clinically. The first is conservative treatment, which mainly involves rest, local injections, electrotherapy, magnet therapy, and acupuncture to alleviate the pain. If conservative treatment fails to yield results after more than six months and the pain progressively worsens, surgical treatment becomes the only option. Surgical treatment includes releasing the plantar fascia, removing bone spurs, and eliminating inflammatory tissue around the plantar fascia to relieve pain.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Can you ride a bike with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can involve cycling, as the weight-bearing load during cycling is reduced compared to walking, running, or mountain climbing. It allows appropriate movement of the knee and hip joints, which can help alleviate symptoms. With plantar fasciitis, it's best to minimize physical activities because once active, it may promote tension in the plantar fascia, leading to pain. Treatments can include heat application, physiotherapy, taking blood-activating and pain-relieving medications, and, if necessary, some invasive treatments to alleviate symptoms. After rest, recovery is generally slow, taking about 2 to 3 weeks, and symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated with the help of blood-activating and pain-relieving medication. However, it can easily recur, so it's recommended to wear sports shoes often, walk on flat surfaces, and sports shoes with air cushions are preferable for better effect. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How long should you rest for plantar fasciitis?

For an initial episode of plantar fasciitis, it is recommended to rest for at least two to four weeks, avoid exposure to cold and weight-bearing activities, and perform local physical therapies such as heat therapy, physiotherapy, and acupuncture. If there is no significant improvement after about a week of treatment, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further consultation. If necessary, pain point block treatment may be administered once a week, with a total of two to four sessions constituting a treatment course, which can also yield good therapeutic effects. If there is still no significant improvement, it is suggested to conduct a local radiographic examination to ascertain any abnormal bone changes, and based on the results, further guidance and treatment will be provided.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Can plantar fasciitis be treated with acupuncture?

After the non-acute phase of plantar fasciitis, it is possible to combine local acupuncture, physiotherapy, and treatments that stimulate circulation and relieve blockages to promote the recovery of inflammation and local tissue damage. However, during the acute phase of plantar fasciitis, and if there is no significant improvement after acupuncture treatment during the non-acute phase, it may be necessary to combine oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, along with daily local heat physiotherapy. Generally, improvement can be seen after two to four weeks. If there still is no obvious improvement, it is recommended to revisit the hospital for further examination. If significant localized tenderness is confirmed, local block therapy may be considered. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)