Plantar Fasciitis Treatment & Relief | Causes, Symptoms
June 10, 2025
Heel Pain Holding You Back? It Might Be Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects about 10% of people. It happens when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—from your heel to your toes—becomes irritated or inflamed. This ligament acts like a shock absorber and plays a key role in supporting your arch and helping you walk and run comfortably.
When this tissue is inflamed, it can cause sharp heel pain—often worse in the morning or after long periods of standing. Left unmanaged, plantar fasciitis can make even simple tasks like walking feel challenging and frustrating, impacting your overall quality of life.
What Causes It?
There's no single cause of plantar fasciitis. It's usually a combination of factors, including:
- Biomechanics: Poor movement patterns can stress muscles and joints, causing imbalances and overuse injuries.
- Age & Weight: As we age, our soft tissues naturally weaken. Being overweight increases pressure on the feet—those with a BMI over 30 are five times more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
- Lifestyle: It's especially common among runners due to repetitive impact and tight calf or Achilles muscles.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis accounts for about 15% of foot disorders seen by specialists, but only 10% of cases require surgery. Most people improve with conservative care. Diagnosis is typically made by reviewing your symptoms and history—yet unnecessary imaging is common:
- 40% of patients receive X-rays
- 17% receive CT scans
- 14% undergo ultrasounds or MRIs
Treatment & Management
One of the most effective treatments is physical therapy and targeted stretching. These not only relieve pain but address the root cause by correcting movement patterns and helping your body heal. Ice, rest, and temporary changes to your routine—like adjusting your exercise intensity or switching shoes—can also help.
Fast Facts
How Digital Health Is Changing the Game in Managing Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic condition that can worsen over time without the right care. Delays in treatment often lead to more intense pain and costlier interventions. Unfortunately, traditional care pathways—marked by long wait times and limited access to specialists—don't always meet the urgency of the condition.
That's where digital health solutions come in. Platforms like SimpleTherapy enable faster access to care, often connecting users with licensed professionals within days rather than weeks. This quick response allows individuals to begin addressing symptoms early, which can make a big difference in outcomes.
By fostering self-driven responsibility, access to digital care enables patients to reduce their dependence on healthcare providers for conditions that are self-treatable with minimal guidance, reducing both the burden on the system and the individual.
Digital programs are also designed for convenience and consistency. Most sessions take 20 minutes or less and don't require appointments, making it easier to stick with a plan. Many also use AI to personalize care in real time, adapting exercises based on pain levels and progress.
Remote monitoring and care navigation features offer added layers of support, helping individuals track their progress and access more intensive care if needed.
For people managing plantar fasciitis long term, digital health can be a game-changer, bringing together access, personalization, and proactive care in a way that fits real life.