Plantar Fasciitis Rose Park
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
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
Most people with plantar fasciitis start by managing their symptoms with rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications.
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
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
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
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.
Pain from plantar fasciitis is commonly felt when taking the first steps in the morning, after long periods of standing, or when transitioning from sitting to standing. The condition may be influenced by your choice of shoes, foot mechanics, and the surfaces you walk or run on.
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.
A foot specialist, or podiatrist, is trained to assess and treat plantar fasciitis for long-term relief.
Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can cause you to change how you walk, leading to strain in your legs, knees, hips, and back. Over time, the condition may worsen, potentially resulting in a plantar rupture that requires significant downtime.
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.
Although walking can temporarily ease pain after sitting or lying down for extended periods, discomfort often returns and worsens as the day progresses.
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
Book your appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic online or by phone. We have two clinic locations 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.