Plantar Fasciitis Collinswood
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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Collinswood
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often related to running and excess weight, but it can affect individuals of all activity levels.
We often see patients from Collinswood 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, a thick tissue band running along the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed and painful, it is referred to 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.
- Discomfort in the bottom area of your foot.
- Chronic heel pain that affects your daily activities.
- Pain that tends to intensify following 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
- Running, dancing, and aerobics put strain on the heel bone, potentially leading to 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
- Wearing footwear with poor arch support or stiff soles
Discover improved well-being with expert 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
Wearing a splint overnight can keep the plantar fascia stretched, assisting in the lengthening of the ligament.
Orthotics
Wearing custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, can help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia by distributing pressure more evenly across the feet.
Shock wave therapy
In shock wave therapy, sound waves target the painful area to support healing, usually when conservative treatments have not provided relief.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
Temporary use of a walking boot, cane, or crutches can help ease 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.
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.
A foot specialist, known as a podiatrist, can help treat 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.
Resting, stretching, massage, and ice packs are all helpful home treatments that can quickly relieve pain. Holding an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes several times a day can provide fast relief.
Plantar fasciitis can occur gradually or suddenly.
Although walking can ease pain after long periods of sitting or lying, the pain tends to return and worsen throughout the day.
While plantar fasciitis is most painful in the morning, untreated it can cause ongoing pain that lasts throughout the day.
Recovery from plantar fasciitis usually takes three to 12 months, depending on your activity levels and any at-home care you are using.
Although plantar fasciitis can improve without treatment, it usually takes longer to heal compared to when treatment is involved.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment
Pain in the feet can affect everyday life, whether you’re an athlete or not. If you have pain in the bottom of your feet, it may be plantar fasciitis, which can worsen over time without proper treatment. Contact our team at SA Running Injury Clinic today 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 Collinswood and nearby areas.