Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and foot pain, often resulting from inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This condition is especially common in adults who are active, stand for long periods, or have biomechanical imbalances.

At The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury, we provide expert orthopaedic assessment and evidence-based treatment for plantar fasciitis, helping patients manage pain and return to normal mobility.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing ligament, supporting the arch of the foot. Repetitive strain or overload can lead to microtears and irritation, especially near its attachment to the heel bone.

The condition may develop gradually or come on suddenly, often becoming worse with continued activity or poor footwear support.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Typical signs of plantar fasciitis include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or along the arch
• Pain that is most intense with the first steps in the morning
• Discomfort after long periods of standing or walking
• Pain that worsens after, rather than during, activity
• Tenderness near the heel on the bottom of the foot
• Tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles

Pain usually improves with movement during the day but may return after periods of rest.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis, including:

• Age (more common between 40–60 years)
• Prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces
• High-impact sports such as running or jumping
• Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Inappropriate footwear lacking arch support or cushioning
• Obesity or sudden weight gain

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

Our orthopaedic consultants can typically diagnose plantar fasciitis through a thorough clinical examination and discussion of your symptoms. In some cases, imaging may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain:

• X-ray or MRI to exclude fractures, heel spurs or other soft tissue issues
• Ultrasound to assess thickening of the plantar fascia

Treatment Options

Treatment is usually conservative, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within months.

Non-surgical treatment options include:

• Physiotherapy – including stretching and strengthening exercises
• Orthotics – custom insoles or heel cups to relieve pressure
• Shockwave therapy – promotes healing and reduces pain
• Anti-inflammatory medication – to relieve pain and swelling
• Night splints – to maintain gentle stretch overnight
• Footwear advice – supportive, cushioned shoes are recommended

Surgical treatment is rarely needed but may be considered in chronic, unresponsive cases and involves release of the plantar fascia.

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

Our private hospital in Banbury offers rapid access to leading orthopaedic consultants, physiotherapists, and imaging services. We deliver:

• Convenient appointment scheduling
• Personalised treatment plans
• On-site diagnostics
• Specialist foot and ankle expertise

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a ligament injury, don’t delay diagnosis and treatment. Contact The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury to arrange a consultation with our orthopaedic specialists.

Our Resident Specialists

Our Consultants and Surgeons are welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on patients’ future health.

Joel Humphrey

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Vish Kumar

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon / Foot & Ankle Surgery

Field