Plantar Fasciitis Klemzig
Guiding you toward better mobility, one step at a time.
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel pain, commonly affecting runners and those who are overweight, though it can develop in anyone.
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
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
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis.
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
Using one of these for a short time can help reduce the pressure on your foot.
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.
Plantar fasciitis pain is frequently triggered by standing and walking after rest, particularly in the morning, following prolonged standing, or when getting up from sitting. Shoe choice, foot structure, and the surfaces you walk or run on can all contribute to its development.
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 foot specialist, or podiatrist, is trained to assess and treat plantar fasciitis for long-term relief.
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.
Home remedies like resting, stretching, massage, and ice therapy can offer quick relief. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15 minutes multiple times a day can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
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.
Arrange Your Podiatry Visit
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.