Plantar Fasciitis Prospect
Helping you move with ease, one step at a time.
One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is often linked to running and excess weight, but it can impact people of all activity levels.
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
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy that targets the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help strengthen lower leg muscles and aid in the recovery of plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
By keeping the plantar fascia lengthened overnight, a splint helps stretch the ligament and improve flexibility.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics are tailored to support your arches, reducing plantar fascia strain and enhancing foot stability.
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
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.
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.
Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on the plantar fascia, intensifying plantar fasciitis pain. Other contributing factors include improper footwear, repetitive high-impact activities, and prolonged standing.
A foot specialist, or podiatrist, is trained to assess and treat plantar fasciitis for long-term relief.
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.
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.
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.