Plantar Fasciitis Thorngate
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.
Your feet contain thick bands of tissue known as the plantar fascia, which run along the bottom of each foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed and painful, the condition is called plantar fasciitis.
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
The plantar fascia can become inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis, which is commonly caused by:
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
Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening lower leg muscles, can support plantar fasciitis recovery.
Night splints
Wearing a splint overnight helps maintain a lengthened position for the plantar fascia, supporting effective stretching of the ligament.
Orthotics
Custom-fitted arch supports, or orthotics, help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
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 is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament on the bottom of your foot, causing discomfort when standing up after sitting, lying down, or engaging in 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.
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.
Plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with the help of a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist.
Ignoring plantar fasciitis may cause you to alter your gait to avoid pain, which can eventually lead to discomfort in your legs, knees, hips, or back. Additionally, prolonged untreated plantar fasciitis increases the risk of plantar rupture, which demands a lengthy recovery period.
Home remedies like resting, stretching, massage, and ice therapy can offer quick relief. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15 minutes multiple times a day can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
While movement can help alleviate initial discomfort after sitting or lying down, the pain often resurfaces and becomes more pronounced as the day goes on.
Morning pain is a hallmark of plantar fasciitis, but without treatment, it can worsen and persist for longer periods, eventually becoming an all-day issue.
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.