Plantar Fasciitis Parkside
Guiding you toward better mobility, one step at a time.
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is widespread, particularly among runners and overweight individuals, but no one is immune to this condition.
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
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
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
Strengthening lower leg muscles through physical therapy focused on stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can be beneficial for plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
Wearing a splint overnight helps maintain a lengthened position for the plantar fascia, supporting effective stretching of the ligament.
Orthotics
By providing proper support, custom-fitted orthotics help minimise pressure on the plantar fascia and promote even weight distribution.
Shock wave therapy
In shock wave therapy, sound waves are applied to the affected area to encourage healing, often used for cases that don’t respond to standard treatments.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
A short-term use of this can relieve strain and pressure on your foot.
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 often triggered when standing up and walking first thing in the morning. It can also flare up after prolonged standing or when rising from a seated position. Factors such as footwear, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces can contribute to its development.
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.
Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.
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.
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.
Walking may provide short-term relief from stiffness after prolonged rest, but the pain tends to return and intensify throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often worst in the morning, but if left untreated, it can progress to lasting discomfort throughout the day.
Secure Your Podiatry Appointment Now
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.