Plantar Fasciitis Tusmore
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Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel pain, commonly affecting runners and those who are overweight, though it can develop in anyone.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, extending from the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue leads to plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain.
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 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
By keeping the plantar fascia lengthened overnight, a splint helps stretch the ligament and improve flexibility.
Orthotics
Orthotics or custom arch supports are designed to balance foot pressure and relieve stress 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
Temporarily using one of these can help alleviate foot pressure and discomfort.
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.
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.
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.
A podiatrist, a specialist in foot health, can provide targeted treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated can force you to adjust your walking style, putting stress on other parts of your body like your legs, knees, hips, and back. In more serious cases, the condition may progress to a plantar rupture, requiring an extended period off your feet.
Rest, gentle stretching, massage, and ice therapy are effective home treatments for plantar fasciitis. Using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes at a time, several times daily, may provide fast and lasting relief.
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.
Arrange Your Podiatry Visit
Book your appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic online or by phone. We have two clinic locations 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.