Plantar Fasciitis Bowden
Making movement easier for you, one step at a time.
One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is often linked to running and excess weight, but it can impact people of all activity levels.
Each foot has a strong band of tissue called the plantar fascia, stretching from the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, it results in plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by:
- Sharp, stabbing foot pain, especially during your first steps in the morning
- Discomfort or aching in the bottom of your foot
- Persistent heel pain that worsens with activity
- Increased pain after physical exertion or extended standing
- Pain that intensifies when flexing your foot and eases when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to plantar fasciitis, which may be caused by:
- Frequent overuse of the feet
- Engaging in activities that put pressure on the heel bone, such as running or dancing
- Overstretching the foot’s connective tissues
- A naturally high foot arch causing instability
- Fallen arches or flat feet
- Hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy
- Age-related weakening of the foot’s connective tissues
- Extra weight increasing strain on the plantar fascia
- Prolonged standing or walking for extended periods
- Limited calf flexibility due to tight muscles
- Footwear lacking proper arch support or featuring rigid soles
Find a better quality of life with plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Physical Therapy
Targeted physical therapy that stretches the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can improve strength in the lower leg and help manage plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
Wearing a splint overnight helps maintain a lengthened position for the plantar fascia, supporting effective stretching of the ligament.
Orthotics
Orthotics or custom arch supports are designed to balance foot pressure and relieve stress on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
When conservative treatments fail, shock wave therapy directs sound waves at the painful area to stimulate healing and recovery.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
Temporarily using one of these can help alleviate foot pressure and discomfort.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing foot pain when standing after extended rest or after physical exertion.
Plantar fasciitis pain is frequently triggered by standing and walking after rest, particularly in the morning, following prolonged standing, or when getting up from sitting. Shoe choice, foot structure, and the surfaces you walk or run on can all contribute to its development.
Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on the plantar fascia, intensifying plantar fasciitis pain. Other contributing factors include improper footwear, repetitive high-impact activities, and prolonged standing.
Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.
Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can cause you to change how you walk, leading to strain in your legs, knees, hips, and back. Over time, the condition may worsen, potentially resulting in a plantar rupture that requires significant downtime.
Managing plantar fasciitis at home with rest, stretching, massage, and ice packs can ease discomfort. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes several times a day is a simple yet effective way to relieve pain and inflammation.
Taking a few steps after rest may reduce pain initially, but symptoms typically return and worsen with prolonged activity throughout the day.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Arrange Your Podiatry Visit
You can schedule an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic either online or via phone. Please keep in mind that we operate from two locations.
Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and nearby suburbs.