Jul 01, 2025
By TJICLondon

Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Risk Factors, and Injection Treatments in London

Plantar fasciitis is a common overload condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the underside of the heel to the toes. When placed under excess strain, the fascia can become inflamed and painful, especially near its origin at the heel.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

This condition often arises when there's a sudden increase in physical activity or repetitive stress. For example, doubling your daily walking distance from 5,000 to 10,000 steps, or beginning intense training for an endurance event like a marathon, can overload the fascia. Pain typically presents in the heel and is most severe during the first few steps in the morning. As the day progresses, symptoms may ease, but persistent discomfort is common with prolonged standing or walking.

Who Is at Risk?

You are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if:

You are between the ages of 40 and 60
You are overweight or have recently gained weight
You engage in activities that place stress on your heels (e.g., running, dancing)
You have flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

Most diagnoses are made based on a physical exam and patient history. Your doctor may perform an ultrasound to check for thickening of the plantar fascia, structural changes, or small tears.

Conservative Treatment Options

Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to non-invasive treatments, including:

Activity modification: Reduce walking or standing for long periods.
Stretching and physiotherapy: Focused on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.
Footwear adjustments: Wearing supportive shoes or using orthotic inserts.
Massage and icing: Rolling a ball under the foot or icing the heel to reduce inflammation.
Shockwave therapy: A non-invasive, low-risk option involving high-intensity pressure waves. This treatment is typically delivered once a week for 3 to 6 sessions.

When to Consider Injections for Plantar Fasciitis

If conservative methods fail or heel pain continues to limit your daily activities, plantar fasciitis injections may offer relief.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis are used to reduce inflammation and facilitate rehabilitation. They are typically delivered under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. These cortisone injections can provide rapid relief but should be used with caution if imaging reveals a tear in the fascia.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Another effective option is PRP injection for plantar fasciitis, which uses your own blood's growth factors to promote healing. A small amount of blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge, and injected into the heel. While PRP injections take longer to work compared to steroids, they are generally safer and well-tolerated.

Plantar Fasciitis Injection Treatment in London

At The Joint Injection Clinic in London, we take a holistic approach to plantar fasciitis treatment, combining lifestyle advice, physiotherapy, and medical procedures tailored to each patient. All injection treatments are guided by ultrasound for optimal accuracy and safety.

If you are suffering from persistent heel pain, our clinic offers:

Cortisone injection for plantar fasciitis
Steroid injection for plantar fasciitis
PRP therapy for heel pain

Learn more about our plantar fasciitis injection treatments in London or contact our admin team to book a consultation.