Plantar Fasciitis Unley
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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Unley
Plantar fasciitis, a common source of heel pain, is often associated with running and excess weight, but can affect anyone regardless of activity level.
At SA Running Injury Clinic, we treat many individuals from Unley with plantar fasciitis across our Eastwood and North Adelaide locations.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation of this tissue, causing pain, is known as plantar fasciitis.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Stabbing pain in the feet is often felt with the first steps of the day.
- Pain in the underside of your foot.
- Chronic heel pain that affects your daily activities.
- You may experience more pain after physical activity.
- Discomfort that increases when you flex your foot, but lessens when you point your toes down.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
The condition known as plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which can be triggered by:
- Overusing your feet
- Activities such as running, dancing, and aerobics place stress on the heel bone, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Overstretching
- A high arch in your foot
- Low arches
- Pregnancy
- Being middle aged or older
- Being overweight
- Standing for long periods or spending much time on your feet
- Tight calf muscles
- Wearing footwear with poor arch support or stiff soles
Improve your quality of life with effective plantar fasciitis treatment at SA Running Injury Clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Home Treatments
Rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications are generally recommended as the first steps for managing plantar fasciitis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy that targets stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help strengthen lower leg muscles and aid in managing plantar fasciitis.
Night splints
A splint worn overnight helps to lengthen the plantar fascia, promoting stretching of the ligament.
Orthotics
Orthotics, or custom-fitted arch supports, assist in distributing foot pressure evenly, which helps minimise stress on the plantar fascia.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy applies sound waves to the painful area to assist in healing, often used when other treatments have not worked.
Walking boot, cane, or crutches
A walking boot, cane, or crutches used temporarily can relieve the pressure on your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament at the bottom of your feet, causing pain when standing up after long periods of sitting or physical activity.
Plantar fasciitis pain can be triggered by standing up or walking first thing in the morning, after long periods of standing, or when rising from sitting. Contributing factors include footwear, foot structure, and the surfaces you walk or run on.
Plantar fasciitis may worsen with excess body weight, as it increases pressure on the plantar fascia. Other factors include ill-fitting shoes, high-impact activities, and standing for long periods.
A foot specialist, known as a podiatrist, can help treat plantar fasciitis.
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may cause you to change your walking pattern to reduce pain, potentially leading to discomfort in other areas such as your legs, knees, hips, and back. It can also result in a plantar rupture, requiring prolonged rest.
To manage pain at home, resting, stretching, massage, and using ice packs can be effective. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the painful area for 15 minutes multiple times daily can provide quick relief.
Plantar fasciitis can occur gradually or suddenly.
Walking may help alleviate pain after sitting or lying for long periods, but the discomfort typically returns and becomes more pronounced as the day goes on.
Plantar fasciitis usually causes the most pain in the morning, and if not treated, the pain can last longer, potentially becoming a constant issue throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis generally takes between three to 12 months to improve, depending on how active you are and any home treatments you apply.
Plantar fasciitis may heal on its own, but the process generally takes much longer without treatment.
Schedule Your Podiatry Appointment
Foot pain, even if you're not an athlete, can disrupt daily activities. If you're feeling pain at the bottom of your feet, it may be plantar fasciitis, which can worsen if untreated. Reach out to our team at SA Running Injury Clinic to book your appointment.
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You can book your appointment with SA Running Injury Clinic either online or by phone. We have two clinics available for your convenience.
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, North Adelaide : 8239 1022
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, Eastwood : 8357 0700
Our clinics in North Adelaide and Eastwood welcomes patents from Unley and nearby areas.