Is heel pain making it difficult for you to work, exercise, or manage daily activities? You might be dealing with plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot, from the heel to the toes. It supports the arch of your foot and plays a vital role in comfortable movement. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed, often leading to severe heel pain.
Heel pain is the leading injury we treat at the Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics near Ovingham, where we typically see around 50 cases of plantar fasciitis daily. Despite being a common condition, it’s a serious issue that demands swift treatment. Studies show that 50% of sufferers continue to experience pain after five years, and over 45% still struggle after ten years. Seeking podiatric care early can help prevent prolonged discomfort.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is the primary symptom of plantar fasciitis, often felt as a sharp, stabbing pain near the bottom of the heel. Patients frequently notice that the pain is worst in the morning when they first get out of bed or after extended periods of inactivity. Additional symptoms may include soreness in the foot’s sole, swelling, limping, and tenderness to the touch.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis
Excessive pressure on the plantar fascia can result in irritation and inflammation, causing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Strenuous activities that involve repetitive impact, such as running, dancing, or gymnastics, often contribute to the problem. Other factors that raise the risk include weight gain, ageing, pregnancy, long periods of standing, and foot structures like flat feet or high arches.
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Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
At Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics, we treat dozens of plantar fasciitis cases every day. Our experience and resources allow us to help patients manage heel pain effectively, regardless of its severity or unique circumstances. With a wide range of treatment options available in-clinic, we’re confident we can create a personalised plan tailored to your needs.
Residents of North Adelaide, Eastwood, Parkside, Glenside, Frewville, Fullarton, Highgate, Myrtle Bank, Brompton, Prospect, Walkerville, Unley, St Peters, Norwood, Thebarton, Mile End, Glenunga and surrounding suburbs can rely on Adelaide Heel Pain Clinic for quality plantar fasciitis treatment.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy offers a powerful solution for heel pain, requiring no recovery time and posing no long-term side effects. We provide this treatment regularly for patients experiencing various types of heel pain.
Focal Shockwave Therapy
Our clinic houses South Australia’s only focal shockwave therapy machine, one of just a few available in the country. This advanced treatment offers a cutting-edge approach to relieving heel pain.
Dry Needling
When it comes to relieving muscle tightness, dry needling is a proven technique. By inserting small acupuncture needles into trigger points, we help reduce muscle pain and tension.
Orthotics
With custom orthotics, you can enjoy individualised support and comfort in any shoe. These orthotics are designed specifically for your foot structure and needs.
Low-Level Cold Laser
Low-level cold lasers offer a less painful alternative to traditional hot lasers. As a breakthrough technology in podiatry, this treatment could be the ideal solution for your needs.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Why not opt for a treatment plan tailored specifically to your pain, health, and goals? Collaborating with a podiatrist on a personalised exercise rehabilitation plan can offer significant benefits.
Everything You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis vs. heel spurs: Are they the same?
No, they’re not the same. Although they share similar symptoms, plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the ligament, while heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone.
What are the most supportive shoes for plantar fasciitis?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis should support your daily activities and address your unique foot needs. A podiatrist can guide you in selecting the perfect pair to ease discomfort and support your lifestyle.
Is physical activity like walking or running recommended for plantar fasciitis?
To give your plantar fascia time to heal, avoid high-strain exercises like running. Maintaining your fitness is still important, so consider switching to low-impact activities like swimming, which won’t exacerbate heel pain.
Is there a genetic link to plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have a genetic basis. You won’t inherit it from your parents, as there’s no proven link between genetics and this condition.
What kind of pain is associated with plantar fasciitis?
While each person’s experience with plantar fasciitis can vary, it’s most commonly described as a sharp, stabbing pain near the bottom of the foot, typically close to the heel. This pain is often most intense during the first few steps after waking up or following long periods of sitting or standing.
When should plantar fasciitis pain prompt a visit to a podiatrist?
It’s important not to ignore heel pain. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, seeing a podiatrist as soon as possible is the best course of action.
Are compression socks effective for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, compression socks offer support for the arches and ankles, improving alignment and limiting mobility, making them helpful for plantar fasciitis. For the best results, discuss your symptoms with a podiatrist for individualised care.
Why is heel pain from plantar fasciitis worse when I wake up?
After being inactive for several hours, the plantar fascia can tighten. Stretching it out with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time often leads to increased discomfort and pain.
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