215. Plantar Fasciitis: A Practical Guide w/ Marc Surdyka and Chris Hughen

Plantar fasciitis, or plantar heel pain, represents a complex condition rather than a purely inflammatory issue, necessitating a shift away from traditional rest, ice, and NSAID-focused management. The plantar fascia functions as a critical component of the windlass mechanism, facilitating energy storage and release during the gait cycle. Effective clinical management involves identifying tolerable load levels through activity modification, such as adjusting running volume or using orthotics, rather than complete avoidance of movement. While imaging is generally unnecessary for diagnosis, clinicians must differentiate between mechanical pathology and systemic conditions, especially in cases of chronic, bilateral, or diffuse symptoms. Long-term recovery often requires a gradual, multi-month approach to rebuilding tissue capacity, emphasizing that while short-term interventions like stretching or taping provide symptom relief, they do not alter the underlying structural integrity of the fascia.