Plantar Fasciitis Brompton
Helping you move with ease, one step at a time.
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is widespread, particularly among runners and overweight individuals, but no one is immune to this condition.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of each foot, linking the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed, it leads to a painful condition known as 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
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by:
- Excessive use of your feet
- High-impact activities like running, dancing, or aerobics that stress the heel bone
- Overstretching the plantar fascia
- Having a naturally high foot arch
- Flat feet or low arches
- Pregnancy-related changes in foot structure
- Age-related wear and tear, particularly in middle-aged or older adults
- Excess weight placing strain on the feet
- Extended periods of standing or being on your feet
- Tight calf muscles limiting foot flexibility
- Wearing unsupportive footwear with poor arch support or stiff 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
Strengthening lower leg muscles through physical therapy focused on stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can be beneficial for plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
By keeping the plantar fascia lengthened overnight, a splint helps stretch the ligament and improve flexibility.
Orthotics
By providing proper support, custom-fitted orthotics help minimise pressure on the plantar fascia and promote even weight distribution.
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
Short-term use can provide relief by reducing the strain placed on your foot.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament on the bottom of your foot, causing discomfort when standing up after sitting, lying down, or engaging in physical activity.
Morning foot pain when standing and walking is a key symptom of plantar fasciitis, though discomfort can also arise after extended standing or getting up from sitting. Footwear, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces all play a role in its onset.
Being overweight can add stress to the plantar fascia, making plantar fasciitis symptoms more severe. Ill-fitting shoes, intense sports, and long periods of standing can further exacerbate the condition.
Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated can force you to adjust your walking style, putting stress on other parts of your body like your legs, knees, hips, and back. In more serious cases, the condition may progress to a plantar rupture, requiring an extended period off your feet.
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.
Although walking can temporarily ease pain after sitting or lying down for extended periods, discomfort often returns and worsens as the day progresses.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Book Your Consultation with a Podiatrist
SA Running Injury Clinic offers easy appointment booking online or over the phone. Don't forget, we have two clinic locations to serve you.
With clinics North Adelaide and Eastwood, we service patients across Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and surrounding locations.