Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often felt when walking or standing for extended periods. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed due to excessive strain or stress. This inflammation leads to heel pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.

At Leading Health Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists can help you manage and treat plantar fasciitis, providing effective solutions to reduce your discomfort and get you back on your feet.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

  • Poor Foot Posture: Misalignment of the foot can increase strain on the plantar fascia, causing inflammation.
  • Limited Ankle Flexibility: Reduced ankle joint motion can affect walking and put extra pressure on the fascia.
  • Tight or Weak Muscles: Tight calf muscles, weak foot muscles, or tight plantar fascia can all contribute to the condition.
  • Foot Arch Issues: A high or low arch can alter pressure distribution across the foot, leading to plantar fasciitis.
  • Prolonged Standing or Running: Long hours of weight-bearing activity can overstrain the plantar fascia.
  • Obesity: Excess weight increases the stress placed on the feet, making plantar fasciitis more likely.
  • Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack adequate arch support can contribute to the development of the condition.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Other common signs include:

  • Morning Heel Pain: Pain is often worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for extended periods.
  • Tenderness: Pressing on the bottom of the heel may cause pain.
  • Pain After Activity: The pain may worsen after exercise or prolonged physical activity.

How Leading Health Podiatry Can Help Manage Plantar Fasciitis

At Leading Health Podiatry, we provide a range of treatments to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

  1. Rest or Activity Modification: We will assess your activity levels and make recommendations based on your condition, ensuring you get the rest or breaks needed to prevent further strain on the plantar fascia.

  2. Massage: Our podiatrists can offer manual therapy, including massage of the plantar fascia and calf muscles to help relieve pain. We can also guide you on self-massage techniques using a tennis ball under the foot.

  3. Exercise: Depending on your condition, we may suggest stretching or strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and ease the pressure on your plantar fascia.

  4. Ankle Joint Mobilization: Limited ankle mobility can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Our podiatrists will assess and mobilize the ankle joints to restore proper movement and function.

  5. Custom Orthotics and Night Splints: We offer custom orthotics and night splints to improve foot posture, reduce strain, and provide the support needed for the plantar fascia to heal. These devices can be designed to suit your specific needs.

  6. Shockwave Therapy: For patients who do not respond to conservative treatments, shockwave therapy may be considered. This therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue healing and regeneration in the plantar fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis Medical Devices for Relief

Several medical devices can aid in managing plantar fasciitis and reducing discomfort:

  • Orthotic Insoles: These custom or prefabricated shoe inserts provide support and cushioning for the arch, helping to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia.
  • Night Splints: These devices keep the foot in a stretched position while you sleep, helping to reduce morning pain and stiffness.
  • Strapping or Taping: Techniques like Low-Dye taping or Kinesio taping provide support to the arch, reducing strain on the plantar fascia during activity.
  • Plantar Fasciitis Socks: Compression socks or sleeves provide targeted compression to reduce swelling and improve circulation in the foot.
  • Heel Cups or Cushions: These shoe inserts offer additional cushioning and support, helping to reduce the impact on the heel during walking and standing.
  • Walking Boots or Braces: In severe cases, a walking boot or brace may be prescribed to immobilize the foot, giving it time to heal.

Contact Leading Health Podiatry for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

If you’re experiencing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, don’t wait to seek help. Our expert podiatrists are here to provide personalised care and treatment tailored to your needs. Contact Leading Health Podiatry today to book an appointment and start your journey to recovery.

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