Growing cases of plantar fasciitis are driving awareness around preventive healthcare and orthopaedic care in India, with doctors at Medanta – The Medicity warning that delayed treatment and poor footwear habits could lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
The concern comes amid increasing complaints of recurring heel pain among working professionals, athletes, dancers and people above 40 years of age. Doctors said plantar fasciitis, estimated to affect 4-7% of India’s population, occurs when the plantar fascia — the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes — becomes inflamed due to repeated stress, obesity, prolonged standing, or unsupportive footwear.
Dr. Attique Vasdev, Vice Chairman, Orthopaedics at Medanta Gurugram, said many people ignore early symptoms such as sharp heel pain after waking up or prolonged standing, allowing the condition to worsen over time. He added that high heels and improper footwear are emerging as major contributors to the problem.
Doctors said early diagnosis through X-rays, ultrasound scans or MRI imaging, along with physiotherapy, supportive insoles, stretching exercises and lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce long-term complications.
In Guwahati, healthcare providers and footwear retailers are witnessing growing demand for orthopaedic consultations, physiotherapy services and supportive footwear products as awareness about foot health rises among urban consumers. Industry observers say the city’s healthcare market is increasingly focusing on preventive care and lifestyle-related disorders.
Medanta has also expanded its outreach in the North East through a multilingual helpline and specialist consultations in Guwahati on May 23.
