• SA Running Injury Clinic (North)

    62 Melbourne Street North Adelaide 5006
    Phone: 8239 1022

    SA Running Injury Clinic (South)

    233 Fullarton Road Eastwood 5063
    Phone: 8357 0700

    Plantar Fasciitis Thebarton

    Guiding you toward better mobility, one step at a time.

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    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 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. 

    Plantar Fasciitis Thebarton

    Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis 

    Common indicators of plantar fasciitis are:

    • Intense foot pain, particularly sharp in the morning with your first steps
    • A deep ache or discomfort at the bottom of your foot
    • Ongoing heel pain, which can be aggravated by movement
    • Pain that becomes more severe following exercise or long periods of standing
    • Discomfort that increases when you flex your foot but improves when you point your toes down 

    The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar fasciitis develops due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, often resulting from:

    • Activities necessitating repeated knee motions like running, bounding, or squatting, without proper rest and healing.
    • Excessive body weight, exerting further pressure on the knees.
    • Unsound posture, biomechanics, and alignment in multiple bodily sections, such as having flat feet and inward tilting of the knee or hip.
    • Incorrect form during activities like running, squatting, or jumping, which might create imbalances and impose unwarranted stress on the knee joint.
    • An absence of physical movement leading to frailty, stiffness, or constriction, reducing the capacity of the joint and the soft structures around the knee to provide reinforcement, flexibility, and equilibrium.
    • Wearing shoes that are deficient in suitable cushioning or support or are ill-fitting, which could influence the knee's alignment and mechanics.
    • Mishaps, tumbles, or sports-induced injuries, for example, ligament injuries or fractures.
    • Ageing and degenerative maladies involving problems like the erosion of the knee's shielding cartilage.

    Find a better quality of life with plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.  

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    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

    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 

    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 

    Using one of these for a short time can help reduce the pressure on your foot.

    Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered

    What is Plantar Fasciitis?

    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.

    What triggers Plantar Fasciitis?

    Morning foot pain when standing and walking is a key symptom of plantar fasciitis, though discomfort can also arise after extended standing or getting up from sitting. Footwear, foot structure, and walking or running surfaces all play a role in its onset.

    What makes Plantar Fasciitis worse?

    Excess body weight can worsen plantar fasciitis by increasing pressure on the plantar fascia. Wearing poorly fitted or worn-out shoes, engaging in high-impact sports, or standing for extended periods can also aggravate the condition.

    Who can treat Plantar Fasciitis?

    Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.

    What happens if Plantar Fasciitis is left untreated?

    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.

    What is the fastest way to treat Plantar Fasciitis?

    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.

    Should I walk with Plantar Fasciitis?

    Walking may provide short-term relief from stiffness after prolonged rest, but the pain tends to return and intensify throughout the day.

    Does Plantar Fasciitis hurt all day?

    While plantar fasciitis is usually most painful in the morning, neglecting treatment can lead to prolonged discomfort, eventually lasting all day.

    Book Your Consultation with a Podiatrist 

    You can schedule an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic either online or via phone. Please keep in mind that we operate from two locations.

    Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from Walkerville, Unley, Prospect, St Peters, Brompton, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Parkside, Glenside, Fullarton, Frewville, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Glenunga, and nearby suburbs.

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