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 Help
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.
Understanding the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is multifactorial, meaning that it depends on a number of factors. Typically, many people who get plantar fasciitis are people who frequently run or jump or those who stand for long periods of time. Activities that place stress on the heel, such as ballet dancing and aerobic dancing may also contribute.
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
Can You Manage Plantar Fasciitis 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 treatments can I access? What treatments might be right for my plantar fasciitis?
Wondering about the available forms of plantar fasciitis treatments? There is a multitude of options to consider. Your podiatrist will evaluate your pain and ascertain whether it could be attributed to plantar fasciitis. Subsequently, they will collaborate with you to design a tailored plantar fasciitis treatment plan. The selection of treatment form(s) will be influenced by factors such as the nature of your pain, its duration, and its severity.
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
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis / heel pain? What are the signs and 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 Book Your Podiatry Appointment at Doubleview Podiatry?
At Doubleview Podiatry, we frequently assist patients with plantar fasciitis and take pleasure in offering tailored care to help them regain their mobility.
Dedicated TeamOwner and principal podiatrist Stephen and his team have decades of clinical experience. |
Prime LocationOur clinic is conveniently situated near Scarborough Beach, offering easy accessibility for residents of the northern and western suburbs. |
Personalised CareWe recognise each patient’s unique needs and tailor our treatments accordingly. |
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Discover The Doubleview Advantage
If you have aspirations of rediscovering your ability to run, skip, and jump as before, plantar fasciitis treatment could be the answer. Our experienced team and unwavering dedication to our craft may bring that day closer than you anticipate.
Secure Your Podiatry Assessment in Wembley Downs Today
Disregarding plantar fasciitis may force you to alter your movements, potentially causing pain or issues in your knees, hips, back, and, of course, your feet. At Doubleview Podiatry, our experienced team is well-versed in various plantar fasciitis treatment methods, increasing your likelihood of returning to your regular activities sooner rather than later. To initiate your plantar fasciitis treatment journey, make an online appointment 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.
