Plantar Fasciitis Ovingham
Supporting your journey to pain-free movement, step by step.
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 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
The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Severe stabbing pain in your feet, usually strongest in the morning when stepping out of bed
- Soreness or aching in the underside of your foot
- Heel pain that persists throughout daily activities
- A spike in pain levels after engaging in physical exercise
- Pain that flares up when flexing your foot but eases when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, often resulting from:
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
Targeted physical therapy that stretches the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can improve strength in the lower leg and help manage plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
A splint keeps the plantar fascia in a stretched position overnight, promoting flexibility and aiding recovery.
Orthotics
Custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
When conservative treatments fail, shock wave therapy directs sound waves at the painful area to stimulate healing and recovery.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
Short-term use can provide relief by reducing the strain placed on your foot.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament on the bottom of your foot, causing discomfort when standing up after sitting, lying down, or engaging in 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.
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.
If you're experiencing plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat the condition effectively.
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, you may unknowingly adjust your walking pattern to reduce discomfort. Over time, this compensation can lead to pain in other areas, including your legs, knees, hips, and back. In severe cases, untreated plantar fasciitis can result in a plantar rupture, requiring extended rest and recovery.
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.
Although walking can temporarily ease pain after sitting or lying down for extended periods, discomfort often returns and worsens as the day progresses.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Secure Your Podiatry Appointment Now
You can schedule an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic either online or via phone. Please keep in mind that we operate from two locations.
Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and nearby suburbs.