What is plantar fasciopathy?
Plantar fasciopathy is when there are inflammatory or structural changes to the plantar fascia ligament in your heel resulting in pain. This is also described as plantar heel pain.
What are the causes?
There are several proposed risk factors for plantar fasciopathy including:
- Weight-bearing activity (e.g. standing)
- Tight calf muscles
- Obesity
- Foot shape and/or the way your foot moves
- Existing medical conditions (e.g. Diabetes)
What are the symptoms?
- Pain in the affected heel which may extend into the arch of your foot
- Pain made worse by weight-bearing activity (e.g. standing)
- Intense pain during your first few steps after a period of inactivity (particularly in the morning when getting out of bed)
- Tenderness over your heel
How is it diagnosed?
An appropriate healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms and enquire about your general health. A physical examination of your foot and ankle will be carried out to assess your movement, response to particular tests and level of pain. This condition is diagnosed by clinical examination. In rare cases diagnostic imaging may be required.
