Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all activity levels and ages. The condition stems from inflammation or microtears in the plantar fascia; a thick band of connective tissue running along the sole of your foot. While it often resolves with conservative treatment, knowing which healthcare professional to consult can significantly impact recovery time and outcomes.
As an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle specialist, Plantar fasciitis is a condition that I see very regularly in my clinic, however, I believe that this condition is best managed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including GPs, podiatrists and Physiotherapists.
This blog explores the roles of different healthcare providers to help you decide who to see for plantar fasciitis.
General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for any health issue, including plantar fasciitis.
A GP can:
A GP is a good starting point, particularly if you are unsure whether your heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis or another condition. However, they may lack the specialist expertise or tools to provide advanced treatment.
The "best" practitioner depends on your specific needs and the severity of your condition. Mild cases often resolve with basic self-care or guidance from a GP. However, more severe cases may require input from specialists such as podiatrists, physiotherapists, or orthopaedic consultants.
In general:
A proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Here’s how each professional approaches diagnosis:
A GP will have a low-level knowledge of this condition, they will likely make a diagnosis based on history and a physical exam, such as palpating the heel for tenderness and evaluating pain patterns.
On top of what a GP is able to offer, a Podiatrist can also assess foot positions and biomechanics.
Physiotherapists will often look at the body as a whole and as well as focusing on the foot. They will evaluate movement patterns of the whole lower leg, gait (walking and running) and muscle imbalances; strengths and weaknesses that are likely contributing to the condition.
Orthopaedic Consultants perform advanced diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRI) if other conditions like heel spurs or stress fractures are suspected.
While GPs, Physios and podiatrists are well-equipped for initial diagnosis, more complex or unclear cases might benefit from imaging studies and specialist orthopaedic consultations and input.
Orthopaedic consultants specialise in surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. You might consider seeing one if:
Persistent symptoms despite six months of treatments like stretching, orthotics, and shockwave therapy may warrant a specialist review.
If a precise diagnosis is unclear, orthopaedic consultants can order and interpret imaging like MRIs.
An orthopaedic consultant is able to offer interventions such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or steroid injections.
If your plantar fasciitis is part of a broader foot problem, such as severe flat feet or tendon dysfunction, an orthopaedic consultant can provide comprehensive management.
In rare cases, surgery to release the plantar fascia or remove a heel spur may be necessary.
Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and recovery process of plantar fasciitis pain, particularly when rehabilitation is required.
They will focus on the following:
Targeted exercises for the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia to alleviate pain and improve function.
Techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial release can reduce tightness and improve flexibility.
Physiotherapists can identify movement patterns that might be contributing to plantar fasciitis and recommend and facilitate appropriate adjustments.
They will help you gradually return to normal activities or sports without risking re-injury.
Some Physios provide extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or corticosteroid injections to address chronic cases.
Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists, making them an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis. Their training allows them to:
If your symptoms persist despite initial treatments, or if you suspect that poor foot mechanics are making your condition worse, consulting a podiatrist can be highly beneficial.
The sequence of care often depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms:
For initial diagnosis and basic treatment advice.
If symptoms persist, these specialists can provide targeted treatments and advanced interventions.
For chronic or complex cases requiring advanced imaging or assessment and management.
By following this sequence, you ensure timely and appropriate care without jumping straight to invasive treatments.
Effective management of plantar fasciitis often requires a multidisciplinary approach, as the condition can have multiple contributing factors such as biomechanical abnormalities, muscular imbalances, improper footwear, or overuse injuries. Collaboration between healthcare professionals ensures that all aspects of the condition are addressed, increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery.
The GP typically serves as the first point of contact and acts as a coordinator for your care. They can refer you to the appropriate specialist based on the severity of your symptoms and your progress. For example, if conservative treatment such as rest, pain relief, and basic stretching does not improve your symptoms, the GP may involve a podiatrist or physiotherapist to focus on more specific interventions.
A podiatristand physiotherapistoften collaborate to provide comprehensive, holistic care. While the podiatrist focuses on correcting biomechanical issues, such as improper gait or lack of foot arch support, the physiotherapist addresses muscle imbalances and works on functional rehabilitation.
An orthopaedic consultant can provide more advanced imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI scan) to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out alternative conditions like painful heel spur, inflammation of the heel fat pad, nerve entrapment, stress fractures of the heel bone or even a rupture of the plantar fascia.
The orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist works closely together with physiotherapists, podiatrists, and at times radiologists to design a treatment plan.
Plantar fasciitis can be a frustrating condition, but the right healthcare professional can make all the difference. Start with your GP for an initial evaluation and basic treatment. If symptoms persist, seek a podiatrist or physiotherapist for specialised care. Finally, consult an orthopaedic consultant for chronic or complex cases that may require advanced interventions. By taking a stepwise approach, you’ll maximise your chances of a full recovery and a fast return to pain-free activity.
Mr Martin Klinke is one of London’s most trusted, and experienced foot specialists. He performs many bunion surgeries each year, and is a highly skilled surgeon.
He offers this surgical treatment to private self-funded and insured patients at London Bridge Hospital, BUPA Cromwell, and New Victoria Hospital. He also runs outpatient clinics at Chiswick Outpatient & Diagnostic Centre, The Shard, Canary Wharf and One Welbeck.
You can find all his patient reviews here.
