Plantar Fasciitis Unley
Guiding you toward better mobility, one step at a time.
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.
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
The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Severe stabbing pain in your feet, usually strongest in the morning when stepping out of bed
- Soreness or aching in the underside of your foot
- Heel pain that persists throughout daily activities
- A spike in pain levels after engaging in physical exercise
- Pain that flares up when flexing your foot but eases when pointing your toes downward
The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to plantar fasciitis, which may be caused by:
- Frequent overuse of the feet
- Engaging in activities that put pressure on the heel bone, such as running or dancing
- Overstretching the foot’s connective tissues
- A naturally high foot arch causing instability
- Fallen arches or flat feet
- Hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy
- Age-related weakening of the foot’s connective tissues
- Extra weight increasing strain on the plantar fascia
- Prolonged standing or walking for extended periods
- Limited calf flexibility due to tight muscles
- Footwear lacking proper arch support or featuring rigid soles
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
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
A night splint holds the plantar fascia in an extended position, encouraging gradual stretching and relief from tightness.
Orthotics
Orthotics or custom arch supports are designed to balance foot pressure and relieve stress on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
When conservative treatments fail, shock wave therapy directs sound waves at the painful area to stimulate healing and recovery.
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
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 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.
Additional body weight increases the load on the plantar fascia, worsening plantar fasciitis. Wearing unsupportive shoes, participating in impact-heavy sports, or spending excessive time on your feet can also aggravate symptoms.
A foot specialist, or podiatrist, is trained to assess and treat plantar fasciitis for long-term relief.
Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can cause you to change how you walk, leading to strain in your legs, knees, hips, and back. Over time, the condition may worsen, potentially resulting in a plantar rupture that requires significant downtime.
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.
Taking a few steps after rest may reduce pain initially, but symptoms typically return and worsen with prolonged activity throughout the day.
Initially, plantar fasciitis pain peaks in the morning, but without intervention, it can intensify and persist throughout the entire day.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment Today
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.