Plantar Fasciitis Heathpool
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
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by:
- Sharp, stabbing foot pain, especially during your first steps in the morning
- Discomfort or aching in the bottom of your foot
- Persistent heel pain that worsens with activity
- Increased pain after physical exertion or extended standing
- Pain that intensifies when flexing your foot and eases when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to plantar fasciitis, which may be caused by:
- Frequent overuse of the feet
- Engaging in activities that put pressure on the heel bone, such as running or dancing
- Overstretching the foot’s connective tissues
- A naturally high foot arch causing instability
- Fallen arches or flat feet
- Hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy
- Age-related weakening of the foot’s connective tissues
- Extra weight increasing strain on the plantar fascia
- Prolonged standing or walking for extended periods
- Limited calf flexibility due to tight muscles
- Footwear lacking proper arch support or featuring rigid soles
Find a better quality of life with plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
The initial approach to treating plantar fasciitis typically includes rest, applying ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medications.
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
A splint keeps the plantar fascia in a stretched position overnight, promoting flexibility and aiding recovery.
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
Temporarily using one of these can help alleviate foot pressure and discomfort.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
When the plantar fascia, the ligament beneath your foot, becomes inflamed, it results in plantar fasciitis, often leading to pain when getting up after resting or following exercise.
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.
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.
If you're experiencing plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat the condition effectively.
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated can force you to adjust your walking style, putting stress on other parts of your body like your legs, knees, hips, and back. In more serious cases, the condition may progress to a plantar rupture, requiring an extended period off your feet.
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.
Morning pain is a hallmark of plantar fasciitis, but without treatment, it can worsen and persist for longer periods, eventually becoming an all-day issue.
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.