Is Plantar Fasciitis Affecting You?
Do you experience foot pain upon waking up in the morning? Is there aching in your heels when you stand after sitting? If these symptoms resonate with you, it’s possible you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain that can disrupt your daily routine. The good news is that there are treatment options available.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment May Offer Relief
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue under the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. We use our plantar fascia whenever we take a step, jog, run, or jump. This is because the plantar fascia acts like a flexible force absorber by tightening the foot during take-off. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that may lead to pain in the heels and/or underneath the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia is irritated because the plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and therefore works hard to stabilise the body. While plantar fasciitis is a fairly common condition, the pain it may cause may become chronic if left untreated, making it more difficult to treat. As such, it’s important to treat plantar fasciitis as promptly as possible.
Exploring the Origins of Plantar Fasciitis
The development of plantar fasciitis is influenced by multiple factors. Typically, it tends to affect individuals who engage in regular running, jumping, or prolonged standing. Activities that exert pressure on the heel, such as ballet dancing and aerobic dancing, can also play a role.
Other possible causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- Ill-fitting footwear
- Weak stabilising muscles
- Uneven terrain
- Foot structure
- Overuse
- Ageing
- Obesity
Ready to jump into plantar fasciitis treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis
Self-Care for Plantar Fasciitis: Can You Manage It at Home?
In some cases, you may be able to address the pain caused by your plantar fasciitis at home. Treatments that may assist include:
- Rest— Slowing down and moving less, while still remaining active to some degree, is important for recovery
- Ice— Putting ice on your heel (not directly, but through a washcloth or towel) for 20 minutes four times a day may help to relieve pain
- Massage— Massaging your foot before exercise, in conjunction with ice treatment, may assist
- Medication— Pain medication that you can purchase over the counter may help to relieve pain, but ensure to follow the instructions. If you have any other conditions and/or take any other medications, consult with your doctor before starting any new medication
- Changing footwear— Sometimes plantar fasciitis can be caused or exacerbated by wearing poorly fitting footwear. Try wearing shoes with good arch support, heel support, and general cushioning. You may wish to use padding or inserts to help with this
- Splints— Wearing splints at night help to keep your foot straight and may assist in reducing pain
What forms of plantar fasciitis treatments are there?
There are many forms of plantar fasciitis treatment available. Your podiatrist will assess your pain and determine whether it may be caused by plantar fasciitis. They will then work with you to come up with a plantar fasciitis treatment plan that may work best for you. The form or forms they choose for you will depend on a number of factors including the type of pain you feel, how long it has been present, and the severity of the pain.
Plantar fasciitis treatment options may include:
- Orthotics
- Splints
- Specific exercises
- Stretching
- Lifestyle changes
- Footwear assessment
- Footwear advice
- Dry needling
- Strapping and/or padding
- Weight loss
- Medication
- Anti-inflammatory injections
- Management of any underlying systemic conditions
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Some symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain under the heel
- Pain on the sole of the foot
- Pain that begins first thing in the morning and eases throughout the day
- Pain that occurs when you stand up after sitting or lying down for a period of time
- Pain that gets worse again at the end of the day
- The feeling of a small pebble under the heel when you walk
Why Visit Doubleview Podiatry?
At Doubleview Podiatry, we focus on assisting patients with plantar fasciitis and take pride in providing care to help them get back on their feet.
Experienced PodiatristsOwner and principal podiatrist Stephen and his team bring decades of clinical experience to the table. |
Ideal LocationLocated mere steps away from Scarborough Beach, our clinic offers convenient access for those in the northern and western suburbs. |
Tailored CareWe recognise each patient’s unique needs and tailor our treatments accordingly. |
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Explore The Doubleview Distinction
If you envision returning to the days of running, skipping, and jumping with ease, plantar fasciitis treatment could be the key. With our experienced team and unwavering dedication to our work, that day could be nearer than you realise.
Book Your Podiatry Appointment at Churchlands Today
Ignoring plantar fasciitis may lead you to change the way you move, which in turn may lead to pain or problems in the knee, hip, or back as well as the feet. Our team at Doubleview Podiatry is experienced in many forms of plantar fasciitis treatment so that you have the best chance of returning to your normal as soon as possible. To make an appointment for plantar fasciitis treatment, book online today.
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Areas We Serve
Our clinic is situated at 166 Brighton Road, Scarborough, Perth WA. To find us: Get Directions Here.
