Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain in adults. While it typically develops gradually, it can also begin suddenly, causing discomfort and heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can hinder walking and lead to additional problems in the calf muscles, ankles, and foot.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The Plantar Fascia is a fibrous band (ligament) that runs from your heel bone to the webbing at your toes. It acts as an elastic band to support the foot arch and help facilitate proper foot motion. Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the fascia or its attachments become inflamed.

When the plantar fascia is subjected to excessive strain—due to factors such as repetitive stress, poor footwear, abnormal foot biomechanics, or obesity—it can become inflamed and irritated. This inflammation leads to pain typically felt at the bottom of the foot near the heel. Many people experience the most intense discomfort during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting.

Plantar fasciitis can lead to further complications, such as heel spurs or chronic pain, if left untreated. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms is essential for effective management and recovery. If left untreated, the plantar fascia gradually deteriorates and weakens, potentially leading to the formation of scar tissue. This degradation is referred to as ‘plantar fasciopathy’ or ‘fasciosis’ and usually indicates the chronic stage of plantar fasciitis.

What are the plantar fasciitis symptoms?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Foot pain from plantar fasciitis can occur in various areas, but it is most common to feel heel pain, especially when walking after prolonged inactivity. Symptoms commonly include:

Plantar heel pain that feels like a stabbing sensation
Aches or burning sensations along the arch of the foot
Slight swelling in the heel or ankle
Tight calf muscles

Several symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis overlap with those of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction, with both causing pain throughout the arch of the foot and ankle. It’s recommended to consult a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and rule out any other conditions.

Pain Triggers

Long periods of standing
Getting up after sitting for a while
First steps after getting out of bed

Exercise Impact:

Pain typically worsens after exercise, not during it
Running with flat shoes or on harsh ground can exacerbate symptoms

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is primarily caused by a combination of factors that place undue stress on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. The main contributing factors include:

Increased activity levels: Extensive physical activity or suddenly increasing one’s activity level can put significant stress on the plantar fascia. This is particularly common among runners, athletes, or individuals who have recently started a new exercise routine without adequate preparation. This can also occur when starting a new job, which involves more standing/walking than the body is used to.
Foot structure and mechanics: Conditions such as overpronation (where the feet roll inward) can contribute to uneven weight distribution across the foot. This misalignment can increase tension on the plantar fascia, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Inadequate footwear: Choosing shoes without proper support can significantly impact foot health. Footwear without adequate arch support, cushioning, or stability can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms, making selecting supportive shoes designed for your foot type and activities essential.
Carrying extra weight: Excess body weight increases the strain on the plantar fascia, making it more susceptible to inflammation and injury. This added pressure can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

Pinpointing the exact cause of plantar fasciitis can be challenging. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis. With their expertise, you can make informed lifestyle changes to support your recovery and help manage the condition effectively.

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Plantar fasciitis treatment at Advanced Foot Clinic

Your medical history and a physical exam of your foot and heel will determine the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Treating plantar fasciitis depends on the extent of the heel pain and the frequency of the pain occurring.

Your podiatrist will tailor your treatment to you; however, here are a few methods for treating Plantar Fasciitis.

Orthotics: Custom orthotics can be prescribed to correct biomechanical issues contributing to plantar fasciitis. These inserts provide additional arch support and help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing pain during daily activities.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Find relief with Shockwave Therapy. It targets the inflammation of the plantar fascia, providing effective pain reduction and promoting healing for faster recovery times.
Foot mobilisation therapy: Relief can be found with foot mobilisation therapy which is the process of gently manipulating the bones in the foot. This treatment aims to improve alignment and relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. A trained podiatrist administers FMT, but certain exercises can be done at home to support the process
RICE method: This approach involves Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the affected foot helps reduce strain while applying ice can alleviate pain and swelling. Compression wraps can provide support, and elevating the foot helps minimise inflammation.
Stretching exercises: Regular stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce tension in the plantar fascia. Focus on calf stretches, Achilles tendon stretches, and plantar fascia stretches to help relieve discomfort.
Supportive footwear: Choosing the right shoes is crucial in managing plantar fasciitis. Look for footwear that offers adequate arch support, cushioning, and a proper fit to reduce stress on your feet.
Moon Boots: For chronic and severe plantar fasciitis (e.g. when large tears are present or there has been limited response to conservative measures).

Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.

Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.

Call 1300 76 33 66