Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Sydney
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. It affects around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives – and it can stop you from walking, exercising, or even standing at work without pain.
At ModPod Podiatry, we treat plantar fasciitis every day across our five Sydney clinics. We find the cause, build a treatment plan around your feet, and get you back on them pain-free.
If your heels hurt first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while, it’s time to get them checked.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel bone to your toes. It supports your arch and absorbs shock when you walk.
Plantar fasciitis happens when that tissue becomes irritated and inflamed — usually where it attaches to the heel bone. Over time, small tears develop in the fascia, causing sharp or aching pain under the heel.
It’s not the same as a heel spur, though the two conditions often occur together. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the soft tissue. You can learn more in our guide to plantar fasciitis vs heel spurs.
Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?
Most people notice:
- Sharp pain under the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that returns after sitting or resting for a period
- A deep ache in the heel after long periods of standing or walking
- Pain that worsens after exercise (not during)
- Tenderness when pressing the inside of the heel
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to pain that makes it hard to walk. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to treat — so early assessment matters.
Not sure if it’s plantar fasciitis? Try our heel pain quiz for a quick guide.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when too much load or tension is placed on the plantar fascia. Common causes include:
- Poor foot biomechanics — flat feet, high arches, or excessive pronation
- Tight calf muscles — this increases strain on the fascia with every step
- Sudden increases in activity — starting a new running program or increasing training volume too fast
- Prolonged standing — especially on hard surfaces like concrete
- Unsupportive footwear — flat shoes, worn-out runners, or thongs
- Weight gain — additional load on the feet increases fascia stress
- Age — plantar fasciitis is most common between ages 40 and 60
In many cases, it’s a combination of factors. That’s why a proper assessment is important — treating the symptom alone won’t fix the problem if the underlying cause remains.
How Do We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis?
At ModPod, we don’t guess. Our assessment process identifies the root cause so we can target treatment.
Clinical Examination
We start with a hands-on assessment of your foot and ankle. We check for tenderness at the plantar fascia insertion, test your range of motion, and assess muscle strength and flexibility.
Digital Video Analysis
We use digital video analysis to study how you walk and run. This shows us how your feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together — and where the breakdown is happening. It gives us objective data to guide treatment decisions
Biomechanical Assessment
A full biomechanical assessment looks at your foot posture, joint alignment, and movement patterns. We assess your gait cycle in detail to identify pronation issues, muscle imbalances, or structural factors contributing to your heel pain.
When Should You See a
Podiatrist for Heel Pain?
Book an assessment if:
- Your heel pain has lasted more than two weeks
- Morning heel pain is getting worse, not better
- You’ve tried rest and stretching with no improvement
- Pain is affecting your ability to work, walk, or exercise
- You’re limping or changing how you walk to avoid pain
The sooner you address plantar fasciitis, the faster it resolves. Chronic cases (6+ months) take longer and often need more intensive treatment.
If you’re a runner or active in sport, our sports podiatry team can help you stay active while you recover.
Our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Process
We take a structured approach to treating plantar fasciitis. Every plan is built around the findings from your assessment there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Stretching & Exercise Program
Targeted stretches for your calves and plantar fascia are a core part of treatment. We also prescribe strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg.
ShockwaveTherapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in the damaged tissue. It's effective for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn't responded to conservative treatment. Most patients notice improvement within 3–5 sessions.
Custom Foot Orthotics
If your foot mechanics are contributing to your heel pain, custom orthotics can reduce the load on your plantar fascia. We design orthotics based on your biomechanical assessment and digital video analysis results.
K-Laser Therapy
K-Laser (photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. It's a painless treatment that works well alongside other therapies to speed up recovery.
Footwear assessment and advice
The wrong shoes can keep plantar fasciitis going — even if you're doing everything else right. We review your current footwear and recommend options that support your feet for work, sport, and daily life.
Medicare, Health Funds & Payment
- Medicare (EPC plan): If you has a chronic condition or ongoing concern, your GP can set up an Enhanced Primary Care plan. This provides up to 5 Medicare-subsidised podiatry visits per calendar year.
- Health funds: We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming at all clinics — just bring your health insurance card.
No GP referral is needed to see us. You can book directly online or by phone.
Find A Clinic Near You
What Our Patients Say
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is plantar fasciitis?
What's the difference between plantar fasciitis and a heel spur?
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Do I need orthotics for plantar fasciitis?
What is shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?
What exercises help plantar fasciitis?
How much does plantar fasciitis treatment cost? Can I claim a rebate?
Why does my heel hurt in the morning?
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Can I run with plantar fasciitis?
What are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Can children get plantar fasciitis?
Consultation Pricing
New Patients:
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Initial Consult $135
Health fund code F004 - History, diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Biomechanical Assessment $110
Health fund code F118 - Extended consultation with comprehensive analysis of foot and leg biomechanics
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3d Foot Scan $80
Health fund code 301 - If proceeding with orthotics a 3d foot scan will be taken on the initial visit.
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Total Bio Package $325
Existing Patients:
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Consult $120
Health fund code F014 - History, diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Biomechanical Assessment $110
Health fund code F118 - Extended consultation with comprehensive analysis of foot and leg biomechanics
-
3d Foot Scan $80
Health fund code 301 - If proceeding with orthotics a 3d foot scan will be taken on the initial visit.
-
Total Bio Package $310