Toe flexor strength matters more than most people realize when it comes to plantar fasciitis Key Research shows: • People with plantar fasciitis consistently demonstrate weaker toe flexors (including the big toe) compared to pain-free individuals . • This weakness is linked to higher stress on the plantar fascia, making symptoms worse . • A randomized trial found that adding high-load strengthening exercises—loading the toes in a dorsiflexed position—led to faster pain reduction and better funct