Plantar Fasciitis Joslin
Supporting your journey to pain-free movement, step by step.
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel pain, commonly affecting runners and those who are overweight, though it can develop in anyone.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of each foot, linking the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed, it leads to a painful condition known as 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
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
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
By keeping the plantar fascia lengthened overnight, a splint helps stretch the ligament and improve flexibility.
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
Temporarily using one of these can help alleviate foot pressure and discomfort.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing foot pain when standing after extended rest or after physical exertion.
Pain from plantar fasciitis is commonly felt when taking the first steps in the morning, after long periods of standing, or when transitioning from sitting to standing. The condition may be influenced by your choice of shoes, foot mechanics, and the surfaces you walk or run on.
Excess body weight can worsen plantar fasciitis by increasing pressure on the plantar fascia. Wearing poorly fitted or worn-out shoes, engaging in high-impact sports, or standing for extended periods can also aggravate the condition.
A podiatrist, a specialist in foot health, can provide targeted treatment for plantar fasciitis.
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.
Managing plantar fasciitis at home with rest, stretching, massage, and ice packs can ease discomfort. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes several times a day is a simple yet effective way to relieve pain and inflammation.
Taking a few steps after rest may reduce pain initially, but symptoms typically return and worsen with prolonged activity throughout the day.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Book Your Consultation with a Podiatrist
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.