Plantar Fasciopathy

Plantar fasciopathy, often referred to as plantar fasciitis, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by heel pain, particularly on the plantar aspect of the foot. It is primarily attributed to degenerative changes of the plantar fascia rather than an acute inflammatory process, making the term “fasciopathy” more appropriate.

Affecting approximately 10% of adults during their lifetime, plantar fasciopathy typically presents with pain during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged inactivity, which may alleviate with movement but can worsen over time. This condition results in significant discomfort and can substantially affect the quality of life, with individuals often reporting decreased activity levels due to sharp heel pain.

At The Court Clinic, we have found plantar fascia pain to be a symptom with many different causes, including acute muscle strain, reduced calf and hamstring muscle length and poor foot posture. The initial onset can often be linked to a sudden increase in physical activity. On other occasions it can be aggravated by osteoarthritis in different parts of the foot.