Plantar Fasciitis St Peters
Guiding you towards better movement, step by step.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment St Peters
Plantar fasciitis, a common source of heel pain, is often associated with running and excess weight, but can affect anyone regardless of activity level.
We often see patients from St Peters with plantar fasciitis at SA Running Injury Clinic and treat patients at our two clinics in Eastwood and North Adelaide.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue, causing pain, is known as plantar fasciitis.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Sharp pain in your feet, typically felt with the first steps in the morning.
- Soreness on the bottom of your foot.
- Ongoing heel pain throughout your daily routine.
- Increased discomfort after engaging in physical activity.
- Discomfort that increases when you flex your foot, but lessens when you point your toes down.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which may occur due to:
- Overusing your feet
- Running, dancing, and aerobics put strain on the heel bone, potentially leading to plantar fasciitis.
- Overstretching
- A high arch in your foot
- Low arches
- Pregnancy
- Being middle aged or older
- Being overweight
- Frequent standing or prolonged time on your feet
- Tight calf muscles
- Wearing footwear with poor arch support or stiff soles
Experience a better quality of life through plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
The initial treatment for plantar fasciitis often involves rest, icing, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
Physical Therapy
Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon through physical therapy can enhance lower leg strength and improve plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
A splint can keep the plantar fascia in a lengthened position overnight, assisting in stretching the ligament.
Orthotics
Wearing custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, can help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia by distributing pressure more evenly across the feet.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy applies sound waves to the painful area to assist in healing, often used when other treatments have not worked.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
A walking boot, cane, or crutches used temporarily can relieve the pressure on your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament beneath your feet, which causes pain when standing after rest or following physical activity.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often triggered when standing or walking in the morning, after prolonged standing, or when getting up from sitting. Causes may include shoe type, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces.
Carrying excess body weight can make plantar fasciitis worse by placing more strain on the plantar fascia. Ill-fitting shoes, high-impact sports, and prolonged standing are additional contributing factors.
Plantar fasciitis can be managed by seeing a podiatrist, a healthcare professional specialising in foot care.
Untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to changes in your walking pattern, which may cause pain in other parts of the body like the legs, knees, hips, and back. It can also cause a plantar rupture, necessitating extended rest.
Resting, stretching, massage, and ice packs are all helpful home treatments that can quickly relieve pain. Holding an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes several times a day can provide fast relief.
Plantar fasciitis can occur gradually or suddenly.
Pain from sitting or lying down can be temporarily relieved by walking, but it often returns and becomes more intense later in the day.
While plantar fasciitis is most painful in the morning, untreated it can cause ongoing pain that lasts throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis generally takes between three to 12 months to improve, depending on how active you are and any home treatments you apply.
Plantar fasciitis may heal on its own, but the process generally takes much longer without treatment.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment
Foot pain, even if you're not an athlete, can disrupt daily activities. If you're feeling pain at the bottom of your feet, it may be plantar fasciitis, which can worsen if untreated. Reach out to our team at SA Running Injury Clinic to book your appointment.
_________________________________________________________________________
At SA Running Injury Clinic, you can schedule your appointment online or by phone. We operate from two clinic locations.
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, North Adelaide : 8239 1022
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, Eastwood : 8357 0700
Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from St Peters and nearby areas.