Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Prospect

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Prospect

Heel discomfort can significantly impact your work life, exercise habits, and daily routines. Plantar fasciitis is one condition that might be contributing to this issue.

Plantar Fasciitis Prospect
Plantar Fasciitis treatment Prospect

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, running from the heel right to the toe. It forms the arch of your foot, making it absolutely essential to the successful and comfortable function of your foot. Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, and causes heel pain that can become extremely severe.

Heel pain is the single most common injury that we see at the Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics. At our specialist clinic alone, we typically see about 50 cases per day of heel pain commonly labelled plantar fasciitis. This condition is clearly extremely common, but that doesn’t make it any less of a serious problem. This nasty condition needs swift treatment, especially since recent studies have shown that 50% of plantar fasciitis sufferers still had it after five years – and more than 45% still had it after ten! Nobody wants to be in pain for the next decade, so seeing a podiatrist as soon as possible is a must.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The most noticeable sign of plantar fasciitis is usually heel discomfort. This pain, often linked with the condition, is frequently sharp and located at the bottom of the foot, close to the heel. Many patients report that their discomfort is most intense during the morning when they first walk after resting overnight. Likewise, this discomfort can intensify after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Additional typical signs of plantar fasciitis might be discomfort in the sole of the foot, a tendency to limp, swelling, and sensitivity in the affected area.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms Prospect
Plantar Fasciitis Causes Prospect

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis typically arises from an overload of pressure and strain on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the heel. Often, this inflammation can stem from intense physical activities that place a burden on the heel, like dancing, running, or gymnastics. Contributing factors to the development of plantar fasciitis might include weight changes, the natural aging process, pregnancy, extended periods of standing, or foot structures such as flat feet or high arches.

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Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

At Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics, we see a wide range of plantar fasciitis cases each day, offering support to those dealing with heel discomfort. Our clinic is well-prepared with the experience and facilities needed to assist in managing heel discomfort, catering to a variety of severities and specific case requirements. Our ability to provide a diverse selection of treatment options means that we can develop a personalised treatment strategy to suit your individual circumstances.

Radial Shockwave Therapy Prospect

Radial Shockwave Therapy

The use of radial shockwave therapy, characterised by its lack of long-term side effects and the absence of a recovery period, stands out as a significant treatment alternative. This therapy is often utilised in our practice to aid individuals experiencing different forms of heel pain.

Focal Shockwave Therapy Prospect

Focal Shockwave Therapy

Our clinic in South Australia is unique in housing one of the few focal shockwave therapy machines in the country. This technique is considered to be at the forefront of approaches for addressing heel pain.

Dry Needling Prospect

Dry Needling

Dry needling is highly regarded for its ability to release tight muscles. Through the use of small acupuncture needles, this technique allows us to target trigger points, assisting in the easing of muscle discomfort.

Orthotics Prospect

Orthotics

Custom orthotics can bring individualised comfort and support into any shoe you want to wear. With orthotics, you can receive a treatment option built entirely for your foot and your unique needs.

Low-Level Cold Laser Prospect

Low-Level Cold Laser

Low-level cold lasers offer a less discomforting alternative compared to hot lasers. Regarded as one of the innovative technologies in podiatry care, this might be a suitable choice for your needs.

Exercise Rehabilitation Prospect

Exercise Rehabilitation

Why not get a treatment plan designed entirely for you – your pain, your health, your goals. Working with a podiatrist on a custom exercise rehabilitation plan could offer wonderful benefits.

Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered

Are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs the same?
Simply put, no. While these two conditions are often confused with one another, due to similar symptoms, there are key differences. One is ligament inflammation, and the other is related to the bone.
What are the best shoes to wear for plantar fasciitis?
Your shoes need to provide support for your daily activities. There is no one specific shoe design best for plantar fasciitis – it depends on what you need to do each day, and what your specific foot needs. Work with a podiatrist to find the best option for you.
Should I still walk or run if I have plantar fasciitis?
To properly heal your plantar fascia, it’s essential to take time off from exercises like running or any other high-strain activities. However, exercise is extremely important for health. Activities that require lower impact levels such as swimming are great alternatives that won’t worsen your heel pain.
Is plantar fasciitis genetic?
There is no genetic factor affecting the development of plantar fasciitis. It isn’t a condition you’ll inherit from your parents, as there is no genetic link associated.
What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
While patients are bound to experience plantar fasciitis in their own ways, the condition is most commonly described as a sharp, stabbing pain near the bottom of the foot. Pain is usually close to the heel, and at its worst when taking the first few steps after waking up or after sitting/standing for long periods of time.
When should I see a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis?
You shouldn’t wait around to address pain. If you’re experiencing heel pain of any kind, it’s best to visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Do compression socks help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, compression socks are considered beneficial for plantar fasciitis. By supporting the arches and ankles, mobility is limited and alignment can be fixed. For individualised advice regarding how to ease your discomfort, discuss your pain with a podiatrist.
Why does plantar fasciitis hurt more in the morning?
As the plantar fascia remains still for long periods of time, it will shorten. Naturally, when being put in use for the first time after several hours, it may be uncomfortable to stretch it out again. This is why taking the first few steps in the morning, or after sitting or standing for long periods, can be more painful than normal.

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