• 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 Hazelwood Park

    Guiding you toward better mobility, one step at a time.

    Book Now

    Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain. While it’s frequently seen in runners and individuals who are overweight, this condition can affect anyone.

    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. 

    Plantar Fasciitis Hazelwood Park

    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.  

    Book Now

    Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

    Home Treatments

    For many plantar fasciitis sufferers, the first step in treatment involves resting the foot, using ice therapy, and taking anti-inflammatory medication.

    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 

    Wearing a splint overnight helps maintain a lengthened position for the plantar fascia, supporting effective stretching of the ligament.

    Orthotics 

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

    Shock wave therapy 

    In shock wave therapy, sound waves are applied to the affected area to encourage healing, often used for cases that don’t respond to standard treatments.

    Walking boot, cane, or crutches 

    Short-term use can provide relief by reducing the strain placed 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?

    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.

    What makes Plantar Fasciitis worse?

    Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on the plantar fascia, intensifying plantar fasciitis pain. Other contributing factors include improper footwear, repetitive high-impact activities, and prolonged standing.

    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?

    Simple home treatments, including rest, stretching, massage, and ice application, can help manage plantar fasciitis pain. Holding a cloth-wrapped ice pack over the painful area for 15 minutes multiple times a day can provide effective relief.

    Should I walk with Plantar Fasciitis?

    Walking may provide short-term relief from stiffness after prolonged rest, but the pain tends to return and intensify throughout the day.

    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.

    Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment Today 

    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.

    Book Now