Plantar Fasciitis and the Importance of Treating the Midfoot

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can be a debilitating condition. While many approaches focus solely on addressing the symptoms in the heel area, a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the midfoot. Understanding the role of the midfoot and addressing its mobility can be the key to effective treatment and long-term relief.

The Role of the Midfoot 

The midfoot serves as a critical link between the forefoot and the hindfoot, providing stability and flexibility during movement. In plantar fasciitis, excessive stress and strain are placed on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This strain often results from biomechanical issues such as overpronation or tight calf muscles, leading to inflammation and microtears in the plantar fascia.

While the heel is where the pain manifests most prominently, the root cause often lies in the midfoot. Restricted mobility in the midfoot can disrupt the natural biomechanics of the foot, causing compensatory movements and increased strain on the plantar fascia. Therefore, addressing midfoot mobility is crucial for addressing the underlying issues contributing to plantar fasciitis.

The Link Between Midfoot Mobility and Symptoms

Improving midfoot mobility can alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia by restoring proper foot mechanics and distributing forces more evenly throughout the foot. Here’s how addressing midfoot mobility can benefit individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis:

1. Reduced Stress on the Plantar Fascia: When the midfoot is stiff or immobile, it forces the foot to compensate by overworking other structures, including the plantar fascia. By enhancing midfoot mobility, the foot can move more naturally, reducing excessive tension on the plantar fascia and allowing it to heal.
2. Improved Shock Absorption: A mobile midfoot plays a crucial role in absorbing shock during walking, running, or other weight-bearing activities. Limited midfoot mobility can impair shock absorption, leading to increased impact on the heel and exacerbating plantar fasciitis symptoms. Restoring midfoot mobility can help distribute forces more evenly, reducing the strain on the plantar fascia.
3. Enhanced Gait Mechanics: Midfoot mobility is integral to maintaining proper gait mechanics. When the midfoot is restricted, it can alter foot strike patterns and increase pronation or supination, contributing to biomechanical abnormalities that exacerbate plantar fasciitis. By improving midfoot mobility, individuals can achieve a more efficient and balanced gait, reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

The Overlooked Aspect of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Despite its significance, midfoot mobility is often overlooked in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Traditional approaches tend to focus solely on symptom management, such as stretching exercises, orthotics, or corticosteroid injections targeted at the heel area. While these interventions may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the underlying biomechanical issues originating from the midfoot.

In the journey toward alleviating pain, treating the midfoot is paramount. By improving midfoot mobility, individuals can address the root causes of their symptoms, rather than merely managing them. Incorporating targeted exercises, manual therapy, and footwear modifications aimed at restoring midfoot function can play a crucial role in achieving long-term relief from plantar fasciitis.

We must recognize the integral role of the midfoot in plantar fasciitis and prioritize its assessment and treatment. By taking a holistic approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying biomechanical issues, we can help to overcome plantar fasciitis and regain pain-free mobility.

While you’re here, check out our plantar fasciitis kits here.

Written by Nicholas Dimos (Physiotherapist)