Plantar Fasciitis St Georges
Supporting your journey to pain-free movement, step by step.
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is widespread, particularly among runners and overweight individuals, but no one is immune to this condition.
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
The initial approach to treating plantar fasciitis typically includes rest, applying ice, and taking 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
A night splint holds the plantar fascia in an extended position, encouraging gradual stretching and relief from tightness.
Orthotics
Custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
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
Short-term use can provide relief by reducing the strain placed 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.
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.
Walking may provide short-term relief from stiffness after prolonged rest, but the pain tends to return and intensify throughout the day.
While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment Today
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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.