Plantar Fasciitis Toorak Gardens
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
Key symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include:
- A stabbing pain in your feet, most noticeable when you take your first steps in the morning
- Pain or tenderness along the sole of your foot
- Heel pain that becomes more pronounced with movement
- Pain levels rising after physical activity or prolonged periods on your feet
- Foot pain that worsens when flexing and improves when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This inflammation can be triggered by:
- Excessive use of your feet
- High-impact activities like running, dancing, or aerobics that stress the heel bone
- Overstretching the plantar fascia
- Having a naturally high foot arch
- Flat feet or low arches
- Pregnancy-related changes in foot structure
- Age-related wear and tear, particularly in middle-aged or older adults
- Excess weight placing strain on the feet
- Extended periods of standing or being on your feet
- Tight calf muscles limiting foot flexibility
- Wearing unsupportive footwear with poor arch support or stiff soles
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
Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening lower leg muscles, can support plantar fasciitis recovery.
Night splints
A night splint holds the plantar fascia in an extended position, encouraging gradual stretching and relief from tightness.
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
A short-term use of this can relieve strain and pressure on your foot.
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
When the plantar fascia, the ligament beneath your foot, becomes inflamed, it results in plantar fasciitis, often leading to pain when getting up after resting or following exercise.
Plantar fasciitis pain is frequently triggered by standing and walking after rest, particularly in the morning, following prolonged standing, or when getting up from sitting. Shoe choice, foot structure, and the surfaces you walk or run on can all contribute to its development.
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.
If you're experiencing plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist can diagnose and treat the condition effectively.
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.
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.
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
Booking an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic is simple—do it online or call us directly. We have two clinics available 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.