Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery at Pain Free Health Clinic

Date: April 15, 2025

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain, affecting millions of people across all age groups. At Pain Free Health Clinic, with locations in South Surrey, Richmond, Ladner, Langley, Queensborough, White Rock, Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, and Coquitlam, we specialize in effective plantar fasciitis treatment to help you walk pain-free again.

In this blog, we’ll explain what plantar fasciitis is, why it happens, when you should seek physiotherapy, and practical solutions — including easy exercises and the role of custom orthotics in recovery.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

When this tissue becomes irritated or strained, it causes stabbing or aching pain — typically most noticeable when taking your first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing or walking.

How Does Plantar Fasciitis Happen?

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

  • Overuse from running, walking long distances, or standing for prolonged periods
  • Flat feet or high arches, which alter the foot’s natural biomechanics
  • Poor footwear that lacks proper arch support
  • Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon tightness
  • Excess body weight, which increases pressure on the plantar fascia
  • Aging, leading to less flexibility and resilience in the tissue

Without proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic issue, severely impacting your mobility and quality of life.

When Should You Seek Physiotherapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

If you experience:

  • Persistent heel pain for more than a week
  • Pain that worsens after activity or long rest periods
  • Difficulty walking or standing for normal daily activities
  • No relief after trying rest, ice, or basic stretching

It’s time to see a physiotherapist at Pain Free Health Clinic. Early treatment can prevent further strain, speed up recovery, and help you avoid compensatory injuries in your knees, hips, and back.

Home Remedies: 3 Easy Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis

Here are three highly effective exercises you can start today:

  1. Towel Stretch
  • Sit with your leg extended.
  • Loop a towel around the ball of your foot.
  • Gently pull the towel towards you, keeping your knee straight.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times per side.

Benefits: Improves flexibility in the calf and plantar fascia.

2. Foot Rolling Massage

  • Use a tennis ball, frozen water bottle, or massage ball.
  • Roll the sole of your foot back and forth, applying comfortable pressure.
  • Continue for 2–3 minutes per foot.

Benefits: Helps break down tightness and reduces inflammation.

3. Calf Stretch Against Wall

  • Stand facing a wall with one foot behind the other.
  • Keep the back knee straight and the heel on the ground.
  • Lean forward into the wall until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times per side.

Benefits: Relieves tightness that pulls on the plantar fascia.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms, Treatment, And Recovery At Pain Free Health Clinic
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery at Pain Free Health Clinic

How Orthotics Can Help with Plantar Fasciitis

At Pain Free Health Clinic, we often recommend custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis.

Orthotics provide:

  • Targeted arch support to reduce stress on the plantar fascia
  • Shock absorption to lessen impact with each step
  • Better foot alignment, preventing overpronation or supination
  • Improved comfort during walking, running, and daily activities

Custom-made orthotics are tailored specifically to your foot structure and activity level, offering superior results compared to off-the-shelf insoles.

Why Choose Pain Free Health Clinic for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?

Our team of expert physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists is dedicated to providing effective, personalized plantar fasciitis treatment at our convenient locations:

  • South Surrey
  • Richmond
  • Ladner
  • Langley
  • Queensborough
  • White Rock
  • Surrey
  • Delta
  • New Westminster

At Pain Free Health Clinic, we focus on getting you back on your feet — pain-free and stronger than ever.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re struggling with heel pain, don’t wait — early intervention is key to faster recovery. Contact Pain Free Health Clinic today to book your plantar fasciitis assessment and start your customized treatment plan.

What Our Patients Are Saying

pain-free-health-clinic-color logo
envelopephone-handset