Plantar Fasciitis Unley
Assisting you in moving more comfortably, one step at a time.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Unley
Plantar fasciitis, a common source of heel pain, is often associated with running and excess weight, but can affect anyone regardless of activity level.
At SA Running Injury Clinic, we treat many individuals from Unley with plantar fasciitis across our clinic locations.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, leading to pain.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp pain in your feet, typically felt with the first steps in the morning.
- Pain in the underside of your foot.
- Chronic heel pain that affects your daily activities.
- Increased discomfort after engaging in physical activity.
- Pain that intensifies when flexing your foot and eases when pointing your toes downward.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it leads to plantar fasciitis. This inflammation can result from:
- Overusing your feet
- Stress on the heel bone from activities like running, dancing, and aerobics can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
- Overstretching
- A high arch in your foot
- Low arches
- Pregnancy
- Being middle aged or older
- Being overweight
- Frequent standing or prolonged time on your feet
- Tight calf muscles
- Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support or have stiff soles
Improve your quality of life with effective plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
Rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications are generally recommended as the first steps for managing plantar fasciitis.
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 worn overnight helps to lengthen the plantar fascia, promoting stretching of the ligament.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics or arch supports can help evenly distribute pressure on your feet, relieving strain on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy applies sound waves to the painful area to assist in healing, often used when other treatments have not worked.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
Using a walking boot, cane, or crutches for a brief period can lessen the pressure placed on your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament at the bottom of your feet, becomes inflamed, leading to pain when standing after rest or physical activity.
Pain from plantar fasciitis may occur when standing or walking in the morning, after standing for long periods, or when rising from a seated position. Factors that contribute include shoe choice, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces.
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.
Plantar fasciitis can be managed by seeing a podiatrist, a healthcare professional specialising in foot care.
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.
Fast relief from plantar fasciitis can be achieved through home treatments like resting, stretching, massage, and ice packs. Holding an ice pack wrapped in a cloth over the pain area for 15 minutes several times a day can be very effective.
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.
Plantar fasciitis typically causes the most pain in the morning, and without treatment, it can lead to prolonged discomfort that may last all day.
Plantar fasciitis typically improves within three to 12 months, depending on your activity levels and any at-home treatments you may be using.
Plantar fasciitis may heal on its own, but the process generally takes much longer without treatment.
Book Your Podiatry Appointment
Foot pain can affect your daily activities, even if you’re not an athlete. If you experience pain at the bottom of your feet, it could be plantar fasciitis, which may worsen without treatment. Book an appointment with our team at SA Running Injury Clinic today for plantar fasciitis treatment Adelaide.
_________________________________________________________________________
Appointments at SA Running Injury Clinic can be booked online or by phone. Please be aware that we have two clinic locations.
We welcome patents from Eastwood, North Adelaide, Walkerville, Parkside, Norwood, Glenside, Prospect, Unley, St Peters, Burnside, Brompton, Thebarton, Mile End, Myrtle Bank, Fullarton, Highgate, Glenunga and nearby areas.