Plantar Fasciitis Thorngate
Supporting your journey to improved mobility.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Thorngate
Plantar fasciitis, a common source of heel pain, is often associated with running and excess weight, but can affect anyone regardless of activity level.
We often see patients from Thorngate with plantar fasciitis at SA Running Injury Clinic and treat patients at our two clinics in Eastwood and North Adelaide.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue, causing pain, is known as plantar fasciitis.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp foot pain, especially with the initial steps in the morning.
- Painfelt along the bottom of your foot.
- Ongoing heel pain throughout your daily routine.
- Increased discomfort after engaging in physical activity.
- Discomfort that increases when you flex your foot, but lessens when you point your toes down.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by:
- Overusing your feet
- Stress on the heel bone from physical activities like running, dancing, and aerobics may result in plantar fasciitis.
- Overstretching
- A high arch in your foot
- Low arches
- Pregnancy
- Being middle aged or older
- Being overweight
- Extended time spent standing or being on your feet
- Tight calf muscles
- Footwear that offers poor arch support or has stiff soles
Enhance your quality of life with professional plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
The initial treatment for plantar fasciitis often involves rest, icing, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focusing on stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help strengthen lower leg muscles and alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
A splint can keep the plantar fascia in a lengthened position overnight, assisting in stretching the ligament.
Orthotics
Orthotics, or custom-fitted arch supports, assist in distributing foot pressure evenly, which helps minimise stress on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy uses sound waves directed at the painful area to promote healing, typically when other treatments have not been effective.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
A walking boot, cane, or crutches used temporarily can relieve the pressure on your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament at the bottom of your feet, causing pain when standing up after long periods of sitting or physical activity.
Standing up or walking in the morning, standing for extended periods, or rising from sitting can trigger plantar fasciitis pain. Contributing causes include footwear, foot structure, and the surfaces you walk or run on.
Carrying excess body weight can make plantar fasciitis worse by placing more strain on the plantar fascia. Ill-fitting shoes, high-impact sports, and prolonged standing are additional contributing factors.
A podiatrist, a foot specialist, can provide treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated may force changes in your walking pattern, causing pain in areas such as your legs, knees, hips, and back. In severe cases, it can lead to a plantar rupture, requiring you to rest for an extended period.
Home treatments like resting, stretching, massage, and using ice packs can offer quick relief. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the painful area for 15 minutes several times daily can be an effective treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can occur gradually or suddenly.
Walking may help alleviate pain after sitting or lying for long periods, but the discomfort typically returns and becomes more pronounced as the day goes on.
The pain from plantar fasciitis is often most intense in the morning, and if untreated, it can persist longer, leading to discomfort throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis generally takes between three to 12 months to improve, depending on how active you are and any home treatments you apply.
Although plantar fasciitis can improve without treatment, it usually takes longer to heal compared to when treatment is involved.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment
Plantar fasciitis can cause foot pain that impacts daily life, even for those not involved in sports. If you’re experiencing pain in the bottom of your feet, it could get worse over time without treatment. Contact our team at SA Running Injury Clinic to schedule your appointment.
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Booking an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic is easy, either online or over the phone. Please note, we have two clinic locations.
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, North Adelaide : 8239 1022
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, Eastwood : 8357 0700
Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from Thorngate and nearby areas.