Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, & Relief Options (Shockwave Therapy)
- Daniel Zorn, D.C.
- Dec 9
- 5 min read
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, and for millions of people, the culprit is plantar fasciitis. Whether you’re an athlete, a nurse on your feet all day, or someone who recently noticed sharp morning heel pain, understanding this condition is the first step toward lasting relief.
In this article, we’ll break down what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, how to recognize the symptoms, and the most effective ways to treat and prevent it.
In this article, we will discuss:
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia — a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes.
This structure acts like a shock absorber and arch support, helping your foot bear the weight of your body and handle the impact of walking, running, or standing. When it becomes overstressed, tiny tears can develop in the tissue. Over time, this leads to irritation, inflammation, and pain — most often felt in the heel.
Although the term ends in “-itis,” indicating inflammation, many cases actually involve degenerative changes rather than active inflammation, particularly in chronic instances. Therefore, effective treatment often emphasizes stimulating healing and tissue regeneration rather than simply reducing swelling.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The primary cause is excess strain on the plantar fascia. However, several factors can increase your risk.
1. Foot Structure
People with flat feet or high arches put uneven pressure on the fascia. Flat feet cause overstretching, while high arches create excessive tension.
2. Footwear
Wearing unsupportive shoes—like flip-flops, flats, or worn-out sneakers—fails to support the arch and absorb shock properly, leading to chronic strain.
3. Overuse or Activity Changes
Runners, dancers, or anyone who suddenly increases their physical activity may overload the fascia. Hard surfaces, long shifts, or frequent jumping add to the stress.
4. Tight Calf Muscles or Achilles Tendon
Limited ankle flexibility pulls on the heel, tightening the fascia beneath it.
5. Weight and Standing
Being overweight or spending long hours standing (common in teachers, nurses, and retail workers) increases the daily load on the fascia.
Common Symptoms
The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain, especially when taking your first steps in the morning.
Other signs include:
Pain after sitting or standing for long periods
Discomfort after, but not usually during, exercise
Tenderness near the heel or along the arch
Mild swelling or warmth in the heel area
Many describe it as feeling like a “knife in the heel.” Pain often improves as you move, but may return after rest or prolonged activity.
Why the Pain Is Worst in the Morning
When you rest overnight, the plantar fascia shortens and tightens. As you stand up and take your first steps, the tissue suddenly stretches again — creating sharp pain. Once it loosens with movement, the pain often subsides temporarily.
However, repeated daily micro-tears prevent healing, creating a frustrating cycle of recurring pain.
How Plantar Fasciitis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination and patient history. Our chiropractors at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine may:
Palpate the heel to pinpoint pain
Evaluate foot mechanics and flexibility
Review footwear and activity levels
This evaluation is necessary as it is important to rule out other conditions that mimic this condition.
Conservative Treatment Options
Fortunately, most cases improve without surgery. The key is to reduce strain, support the fascia, and stimulate healing.
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Avoid high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms. Replace running with low-impact exercise like cycling or swimming while the tissue heals.
2. Ice and Anti-Inflammatories
Applying ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day can reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may also help in the short term.
3. Supportive Footwear
Shoes with firm arch support and cushioned heels are crucial. Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors. Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can redistribute pressure and reduce stress on the fascia.
4. Stretching and Strengthening
Stretching the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia helps reduce tension. Rolling your foot over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle is an easy home exercise. Strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles (like toe curls or towel scrunches) supports the arch and prevents recurrence.
5. Night Splints
Wearing a splint that keeps your foot flexed overnight prevents the fascia from tightening, reducing that painful morning stiffness.
6. Chiropractic and Rehabilitation
Chiropractor care will include soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization of the foot and surrounding structures, and soft tissue work, which can relieve tension and improve biomechanics. Rehabilitated exercises will also help restore strength, balance, and alignment in the foot and lower leg.
7. Shockwave Therapy
For those suffering from persistent heel pain, the best plantar fasciitis treatment often includes advanced modalities like shockwave therapy.
When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough
If symptoms persist beyond 6–12 weeks despite proper care, it may indicate chronic plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciosis — a degenerative, non-inflammatory stage where tissue healing has stalled.
In these cases, advanced treatments such as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), may be recommended to restart the body’s natural repair process.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow, break up scar tissue, and promote healing in the affected area. It’s a non-invasive, in-office procedure that has become one of the most effective modern treatments for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Studies show that shockwave therapy can:
Improve blood circulation to the heel
Stimulate cell regeneration
Decrease pain by desensitizing nerve endings
Help break down calcifications and micro-adhesions
Patients typically experience relief after 1–4 sessions, often without downtime.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Traditional therapy recovery time varies by severity and adherence to treatment.
Mild cases: 4–6 weeks
Moderate cases: 6–12 weeks
Chronic cases: Several months
Combining professional treatments, proper footwear, and consistent stretching yields the fastest results.
Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Cured?
Yes, plantar fasciitis can be cured. With the right approach, this condition can be fully resolved. However, preventing recurrence means addressing the underlying cause — like improper footwear, muscle imbalance, or overuse. Regular stretching, maintaining a healthy weight, and replacing worn shoes go a long way.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek professional evaluation if:
Pain persists longer than 2–3 weeks
You notice swelling, bruising, or numbness
You experience heel pain even at rest
When conservative home care is not providing relief, it's time to see a plantar fasciitis specialist who can offer professional diagnosis and advanced treatments. At Skyline Chiropractic, our chiropractors will evaluate foot mechanics and offer personalized plans, which may include state-of-the-art shockwave treatment, for fast and lasting relief.
The Takeaway
Plantar fasciitis is a painful but treatable condition that responds well to early, consistent care. And yes, plantar fasciitis can be cured.
Understanding what’s causing your pain — and addressing it properly — can save you months of frustration.
For patients who’ve tried everything from ice to orthotics without lasting relief, innovative options like shockwave therapy offer hope for faster, more permanent healing.
Tired of chronic pain after trying everything? Don't wait for surgery. Schedule your consultation for Shockwave Therapy today and start your path to faster, lasting relief.
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