Ask the physio - Plantar fasciitis

This month's focus with Paul Hoborough : Plantar fasciitis

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Q. I’ve been told I have plantar fasciitis and to stop running until it eases off. Is there anything I can do? - Jon, Guildford

A. Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterised by pain when you take those first few steps in the morning or after you’ve been sitting down for a while. 

The plantar fascia is a flat length of connective tissue that runs from your heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of your toes (it splits into five ‘digital slips’, one for each toe). Its main roles are supporting the long arch in your foot and helping with the toe-off when you’re walking or running.

The condition can prevent you running for a while, though in extreme cases it can mean the end of a running career. Plantar fasciitis may resolve itself, although there are forums filled with stories of people spending thousands of pounds on treatments – including night splints, orthotics and injections. 

You probably do need to stop running to allow the injury to heal, but there are plenty of simple steps you can take to speed up the recovery process a little. 

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calf exercises, most common running injury, physio, running injury, running with shin splints, shin pain, shin splints, stress fracture

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