Plantar Fasciitis Enfield
Helping you move with ease, 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.
Your feet contain thick bands of tissue known as the plantar fascia, which run along the bottom of each foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed and painful, the condition is called plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Severe stabbing pain in your feet, usually strongest in the morning when stepping out of bed
- Soreness or aching in the underside of your foot
- Heel pain that persists throughout daily activities
- A spike in pain levels after engaging in physical exercise
- Pain that flares up when flexing your foot but eases when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, often resulting from:
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
Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening lower leg muscles, can support plantar fasciitis recovery.
Night splints
A splint keeps the plantar fascia in a stretched position overnight, promoting flexibility and aiding recovery.
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 occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed, leading to pain when standing after long periods of rest or following physical activity.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often triggered when standing up and walking first thing in the morning. It can also flare up after prolonged standing or when rising from a seated position. Factors such as footwear, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces can contribute to its development.
Additional body weight increases the load on the plantar fascia, worsening plantar fasciitis. Wearing unsupportive shoes, participating in impact-heavy sports, or spending excessive time on your feet can also aggravate symptoms.
A podiatrist, a specialist in foot health, can provide targeted treatment for plantar fasciitis.
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.
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.
Although walking can temporarily ease pain after sitting or lying down for extended periods, discomfort often returns and worsens as the day progresses.
Initially, plantar fasciitis pain peaks in the morning, but without intervention, it can intensify and persist throughout the entire day.
Book Your Consultation with a Podiatrist
Booking an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic is simple—do it online or call us directly. We have two clinics available 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.