If heel pain is disrupting your ability to work, stay active, or complete daily tasks, plantar fasciitis could be the cause.
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.
The Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics near Tusmore regularly treat heel pain, with plantar fasciitis accounting for about 50 cases per day. Although common, it’s a condition that requires immediate attention. Research highlights that 50% of sufferers continue to feel pain after five years, and 45% still experience symptoms after ten. Early consultation with a podiatrist is essential to avoid long-term suffering.
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
Adelaide Heel Pain Clinics handle dozens of plantar fasciitis cases daily, offering expert care for heel pain of all levels. Our comprehensive treatment options allow us to create personalised care plans suited to your specific needs, helping you find relief and get back to your daily routine.
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 is an effective treatment option with no long-term side effects and zero recovery time required. We frequently use this therapy to help patients manage various types of heel pain effectively.
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
One of the most effective methods for relieving tight muscles is dry needling. This technique uses fine acupuncture needles to release trigger points and reduce muscle pain.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics offer tailored comfort and support, fitting seamlessly into any shoe you choose to wear. They provide a treatment solution built around your foot’s specific requirements.
Low-Level Cold Laser
A less painful option than hot lasers, low-level cold lasers are an innovative advancement in podiatry treatments and could be the perfect choice for you.
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
How are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs different?
Simply put, no. While plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are often confused due to their similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the ligament, whereas heel spurs are related to bone growth.
Which shoes help relieve plantar fasciitis pain?
Your shoes should offer support tailored to your daily activities. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for plantar fasciitis—it depends on your lifestyle and individual foot needs. Consulting with a podiatrist can help you find the best fit for you.
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?
There is no genetic factor linked to the development of plantar fasciitis. It isn’t an inherited condition, and there’s no evidence suggesting a genetic connection.
How can I tell if I have plantar fasciitis?
Most people with plantar fasciitis report a sharp, stabbing pain around the heel area at the bottom of the foot. The pain tends to be at its worst when taking the first steps after waking up or after sitting or standing for long durations.
When should plantar fasciitis pain prompt a visit to a podiatrist?
Don’t wait to address heel pain. If you’re feeling any discomfort, visiting a podiatrist early can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Can compression socks benefit plantar fasciitis sufferers?
Yes, compression socks can help ease plantar fasciitis symptoms by providing arch and ankle support, which limits excessive movement and improves alignment. For personalised guidance, consult a podiatrist.
What causes increased plantar fasciitis pain after waking up?
When the plantar fascia stays still for long periods, it tends to shorten. This makes the first few steps after waking up or following extended sitting or standing particularly painful, as stretching it out again can cause discomfort.
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