• SA Running Injury Clinic (North)

    62 Melbourne Street North Adelaide 5006
    Phone: 8239 1022

    SA Running Injury Clinic (South)

    233 Fullarton Road Eastwood 5063
    Phone: 8357 0700

    Plantar Fasciitis Burnside

    Supporting your journey to pain-free movement, step by step.

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    Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel pain, commonly affecting runners and those who are overweight, though it can develop in anyone.

    The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, extending from the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue leads to plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. 

    Plantar Fasciitis Burnside

    Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis 

    Common indicators of plantar fasciitis are:

    • Intense foot pain, particularly sharp in the morning with your first steps
    • A deep ache or discomfort at the bottom of your foot
    • Ongoing heel pain, which can be aggravated by movement
    • Pain that becomes more severe following exercise or long periods of standing
    • Discomfort that increases when you flex your foot but improves when you point your toes down 

    The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, often resulting from:

    • Activities necessitating repeated knee motions like running, bounding, or squatting, without proper rest and healing.
    • Excessive body weight, exerting further pressure on the knees.
    • Unsound posture, biomechanics, and alignment in multiple bodily sections, such as having flat feet and inward tilting of the knee or hip.
    • Incorrect form during activities like running, squatting, or jumping, which might create imbalances and impose unwarranted stress on the knee joint.
    • An absence of physical movement leading to frailty, stiffness, or constriction, reducing the capacity of the joint and the soft structures around the knee to provide reinforcement, flexibility, and equilibrium.
    • Wearing shoes that are deficient in suitable cushioning or support or are ill-fitting, which could influence the knee's alignment and mechanics.
    • Mishaps, tumbles, or sports-induced injuries, for example, ligament injuries or fractures.
    • Ageing and degenerative maladies involving problems like the erosion of the knee's shielding cartilage.

    Find a better quality of life with plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.  

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    Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

    Home Treatments

    Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis.

    Physical Therapy

    Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening lower leg muscles, can support plantar fasciitis recovery.

    Night splints 

    By keeping the plantar fascia lengthened overnight, a splint helps stretch the ligament and improve flexibility.

    Orthotics 

    Orthotics or custom arch supports are designed to balance foot pressure and relieve stress on the plantar fascia.

    Shock wave therapy 

    Shock wave therapy uses sound waves targeted at the painful area to promote healing, typically recommended for patients who haven’t found relief with conservative treatments.

    Walking boot, cane, or crutches 

    A short-term use of this can relieve strain and pressure on your foot.

    Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered

    What is Plantar Fasciitis?

    Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing foot pain when standing after extended rest or after physical exertion.

    What triggers Plantar Fasciitis?

    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.

    What makes Plantar Fasciitis worse?

    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.

    Who can treat Plantar Fasciitis?

    Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.

    What happens if Plantar Fasciitis is left untreated?

    Ignoring plantar fasciitis may cause you to alter your gait to avoid pain, which can eventually lead to discomfort in your legs, knees, hips, or back. Additionally, prolonged untreated plantar fasciitis increases the risk of plantar rupture, which demands a lengthy recovery period.

    What is the fastest way to treat Plantar Fasciitis?

    Rest, gentle stretching, massage, and ice therapy are effective home treatments for plantar fasciitis. Using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes at a time, several times daily, may provide fast and lasting relief.

    Should I walk with Plantar Fasciitis?

    Although walking can temporarily ease pain after sitting or lying down for extended periods, discomfort often returns and worsens as the day progresses.

    Does Plantar Fasciitis hurt all day?

    Initially, plantar fasciitis pain peaks in the morning, but without intervention, it can intensify and persist throughout the entire day.

    Arrange Your Podiatry Visit 

    Book your appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic online or by phone. We have two clinic locations for your convenience.

    At our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood we provide care for patients from Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and surrounding areas.

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