Plantar Fasciitis Glenunga
Guiding you toward better mobility, 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
Key symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include:
- A stabbing pain in your feet, most noticeable when you take your first steps in the morning
- Pain or tenderness along the sole of your foot
- Heel pain that becomes more pronounced with movement
- Pain levels rising after physical activity or prolonged periods on your feet
- Foot pain that worsens when flexing and improves 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
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
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
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
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.
A foot specialist, or podiatrist, is trained to assess and treat plantar fasciitis for long-term relief.
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.
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.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Secure Your Podiatry Appointment Now
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.