Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes irritated and inflamed. The pain is often sharp and can be particularly troublesome during the first steps after waking up or after long periods of rest. It is essential to have professional treatment and guidance for an optimal recovery.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Overuse and repetitive strain: Repeated stress on the plantar fascia from activities such as running, dancing, or prolonged standing can lead to inflammation.
- Sudden increase in activity level: Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activities without proper conditioning can strain the tissue.
- Foot structure: Individuals with flat feet or high arches are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis due to uneven weight distribution on the feet.
- Inappropriate footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support or inadequate cushioning can contribute to strain on the plantar fascia.
- Age and weight: Middle-aged individuals and those with excess body weight may experience increased pressure on their plantar fascia, leading to inflammation.
- Occupational factors: Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as teaching or factory work, can increase the risk of its development.
- Tight calf muscles: Having tight calf muscles can limit ankle movement and put extra stress on the plantar fascia, contributing to inflammation.
- Previous foot injuries: Past injuries to the foot or ankle may alter gait patterns, leading to increased pressure on the tissue over time.
How Does Feet Option Podiatry Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
At Feet Option Podiatry, we offer personalised treatment plans for managing plantar fasciitis effectively. After evaluating your specific condition, our podiatrists may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Rest and activity modification: We advise reducing activities that aggravate your symptoms and suggest modifications to prevent further strain on your feet.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice packs helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected area.
- Pain relief: Our specialists will guide you on suitable pain relief options and anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Customised exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia, improving flexibility and reducing pain over time.
- Orthotics: Specially designed orthotic devices provide additional arch support, helping to distribute pressure evenly across your feet.
- Night splints: Wearing night splints keeps your foot in a dorsiflexed position overnight, promoting stretching of the plantar fascia while you sleep.
- Corticosteroid injections: For persistent cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.
- Taping techniques:
Applying athletic tape or kinesiology tape can provide support to the arch and relieve strain on the plantar fascia.
Suspecting You Have Plantar Fasciitis?
If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, it is essential to seek professional advice as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent further complications. Resting your foot, applying ice, and wearing supportive footwear can help manage symptoms until you receive expert care from our podiatrists. Receive a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and exceptional care from our skilled clinicians at Feet Option Podiatry.
