Plantar Fascia Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Treatment in Perth’s Southern Suburbs
Plantar fascia pain or heel pain making it hard to walk, run or stand for long periods; pain with your first steps in the morning; at OnField Physiotherapy in Bicton, we provide thorough assessment and structured rehabilitation to help you get back on your feet and stay active.
Located next to Melville Plaza Shopping Centre; just 5 minutes from Fremantle; we work with runners, walkers and active people across Perth’s southern suburbs.
What Is Plantar Fascia Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot; connecting your heel to your toes; helping support the arch of the foot.
Plantar fascia pain (often called plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain) occurs when this tissue becomes overloaded and irritated; usually where it attaches to the heel bone. It is typically an overuse condition rather than a true “-itis” or acute tear.
It is common in:
Runners and field sport athletes
People who spend long hours on their feet
Individuals with recent changes in activity, footwear or surfaces
Common Causes of Plantar Fascia Pain
Plantar fascia pain is usually related to a combination of load and biomechanics, including:
Sudden increase in walking or running volume; hills or speed work
Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
Inadequate or worn-out footwear; changes in shoes
Reduced calf strength or ankle mobility
Foot posture factors; such as flat feet or very high arches
Previous foot, ankle or calf injuries
Identifying the key contributing factors allows us to design a targeted treatment and loading plan; rather than just treating the symptoms.
Plantar Fascia Pain Symptoms and When to See a Physio
Typical symptoms of plantar fascia pain include:
Pain under the heel; often sharp with the first steps in the morning
Heel or arch pain after sitting; easing with gentle movement; then returning with prolonged activity
Pain with long walks, running or standing
Localised tenderness at the inner side of the heel
Stiffness through the sole of the foot or calf
You should see a physiotherapist if:
Heel pain has persisted for more than a couple of weeks
Pain is limiting your walking, running or ability to work
You are unsure which exercises or footwear are appropriate
You have tried resting but symptoms return as soon as you increase activity
How We Assess Plantar Fascia Pain at OnField Physiotherapy
At OnField Physiotherapy you will be assessed by experienced sports physiotherapists with extensive experience in managing running and lower limb injuries; from recreational to elite level.
Your assessment typically includes:
Detailed history; onset and pattern of pain; changes in training, work or footwear
Physical examination; palpation of the plantar fascia and heel; range of motion at the ankle and big toe
Strength testing; calf, foot and hip muscles
Functional assessment; walking, running mechanics; single-leg balance and control
Review of footwear and training loads
Where appropriate, we can liaise with your GP or sports doctor if further investigations are required to rule out other causes of heel pain.
Plantar Fascia Pain Treatment and Rehabilitation
Effective management of plantar fascia pain involves more than just rest or passive treatments; it requires a structured plan to progressively improve tissue capacity and address contributing factors.
Treatment and rehabilitation may include:
Load management and education
Adjusting walking, running and standing loads to reduce irritation
Guidance on pacing, surfaces and temporary activity modifications
Advice on footwear and, where appropriate, simple taping or offloading strategies
Strength and mobility
Progressive strengthening for the calf and foot muscles; including heavy calf raises
Specific exercises for the plantar fascia and intrinsic foot muscles
Improving ankle and big toe mobility where restricted
Addressing hip and pelvic control if contributing to foot loading
Manual therapy and symptom relief
Hands-on treatment to the calf and foot where indicated
Soft tissue techniques and joint mobilisation to improve mobility and comfort
Strategies to manage morning pain and stiffness
Return-to-running and performance
Gradual walk–run programs for runners
Structured progressions in distance, speed and hills
Integration with sport-specific training and conditioning
All rehabilitation can be completed using our on-site gym facilities; allowing close supervision and progression of your exercises.
How Long Does Plantar Fascia Pain Take to Settle?
Plantar fascia pain can be persistent if not managed well; but with a clear plan most people see steady improvement.
Timeframes depend on how long symptoms have been present; your activity levels; and how consistently you can complete your rehab. As a general guide:
Mild, short-term symptoms; often improve over several weeks with appropriate load management and exercises
Longer-standing or more severe cases; may take several months to fully resolve; but usually improve gradually with a structured program
Our focus is on building long-term capacity in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles; so you can return to your desired level of walking, running and sport without ongoing flare-ups.
Why Choose OnField Physiotherapy for Plantar Fascia Pain?
APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist; advanced training in lower limb and running-related injuries
Experience working with elite and semi-elite athletes; including WAFL and A-League environments
On-site gym facilities; enabling progressive strengthening and return-to-running programs
Strong understanding of running and field sport demands; from recreational runners to high-performance athletes
Clear, practical education; so you understand your condition and how to manage your loads
We understand how frustrating persistent heel pain can be; especially when it limits work, daily life and training; we work with you to create a plan that fits your goals and schedule.
Book an Appointment for Your Heel Pain
If you are experiencing plantar fascia pain or ongoing heel pain; early assessment and a structured rehab plan can help you return to walking and running with confidence.
Book an appointment with OnField Physiotherapy in Bicton today
Supporting runners, walkers and active individuals from Bicton, Melville, Fremantle and across Perth’s southern suburbs.