Condition profile · Ankle & Foot
Plantar fasciitis
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel, typically with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. It affects runners, but also people who stand for long periods or have gained weight.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot; when overloaded, it becomes painful. The vast majority of cases heal without surgery, with time and well-run treatment.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Heel pain after a fall or a jump, and you cannot put weight on it
- Numbness or pins and needles under the foot
- A red, hot, swollen heel, or pain at night at rest
Common causes
- Overload of the plantar fascia: running, prolonged standing occupations
- Inappropriate footwear, weight gain
Symptoms
- Classic heel pain at the first step in the morning
- Eases then returns with prolonged effort
Timeline
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
Most patients see a clear improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery sometimes takes several months. Sticking with the exercises makes the difference.
- Treated within the first months
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Long-standing plantar fasciitis
- 6 to 12 months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment (palpation, stretch tests) by the physiotherapist. Ultrasound with Dr Massimo Donalisio if pain persists despite initial treatment.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy (stretching, manual technique)
- Physical preparation (strengthening, orthotics if needed — sometimes a long and frustrating course, 6-12 weeks, communicated upfront)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: shockwaves (reference treatment, well-documented for this condition)
Rehab
Physio treatment
- 01
Ease the pain
Cushioned shoes, a temporary reduction in running and long periods of standing, gentle stretches in the morning.
- 02
Strengthen
Calf and foot muscle strengthening, with heel raises under increasing load.
- 03
Address what triggered it
Running volume, shoes, time spent standing, weight, ankle mobility: the causes are tackled.
- 04
Build back up
A gradual return to long walks and running; shockwave therapy if pain persists after several months.
Exercises
Exercises for plantar fasciitis
Plantar fascia stretch
Sitting, pull your toes back with one hand and massage the arch with the other: 10 times 10 seconds, especially before your first steps in the morning.
Heel raise with a towel under the toes
With a rolled towel under your toes, rise slowly on one leg (3 seconds), hold 2 seconds, lower over 3. 3 sets of 12, every other day.
Calf stretch
Hands on a wall, back leg straight then with the knee bent, 30 seconds in each position.
Ball under the foot
Roll a ball or a cold bottle under the arch for 1 to 2 minutes for relief.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Walking and running pain-free again
- First steps in the morning almost pain-free
- Pain-free single-leg heel raises, in similar numbers on both sides
- A 30 to 60-minute walk with no pain the next day
- Running rebuilt in stages, on soft ground first
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about plantar fasciitis
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppDo orthotic insoles help?
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Does shockwave therapy work?
Should I stop sport?
Same area
Other conditions treated: ankle & foot
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
Fast booking
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