Plantar Fasciitis Malvern
Making movement easier for you, one step at a time.
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.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, extending from the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue leads to plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain.
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
For many plantar fasciitis sufferers, the first step in treatment involves resting the foot, using ice therapy, and taking anti-inflammatory medication.
Physical Therapy
Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening lower leg muscles, can support plantar fasciitis recovery.
Night splints
A night splint holds the plantar fascia in an extended position, encouraging gradual stretching and relief from tightness.
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 involves using sound waves to enhance healing in the affected area, primarily for patients who haven't improved with other 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 occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed, leading to pain when standing after long periods of rest or following physical activity.
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.
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.
If you're experiencing plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat the condition effectively.
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.
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.
Taking a few steps after rest may reduce pain initially, but symptoms typically return and worsen with prolonged activity throughout the day.
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
SA Running Injury Clinic offers easy appointment booking online or over the phone. Don't forget, we have two clinic locations to serve you.
With clinics North Adelaide and Eastwood, we service patients across Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and surrounding locations.