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Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot problems we treat at footinjuryclinic. Whether you’re a runner, a busy professional, or someone whose daily activities are hampered by heel pain, understanding this condition can help you seek the right treatment and regain your mobility.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and plays a vital role in supporting the arch and absorbing shock during movement. When this tissue is overused or overstretched, small tears can develop, leading to inflammation and pain. Left untreated, it can become a chronic issue, significantly affecting your quality of life.

The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly first thing in the morning when you take your first steps out of bed. You may also experience this heel pain after sitting for a while, at the start of physical activity, or during prolonged periods of standing (e.g. if you work in retail) or walking (e.g. you’ve signed up for a charity walk. The pain might ease with time and rest, but often flares up again after intense activity.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis

You may have heard of many different home remedies to treat heel pain – take a look at some of them HERE and decide for yourself! The good news is that plantar fasciitis is treatable, and many people recover fully with the right approach. Treatments can include:

Pain Management

Ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications and specialised therapies can help alleviate pain.

Rest and Footwear Adjustments  

Reducing activities that stress the feet and wearing supportive shoes can prevent further strain. Our podiatrists can help fit you with shoes best suited to your feet and lifestyle.  

Stretching & Strengthening  

Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia can reduce tension and improve flexibility. Visit our podiatrists who will give you a tailored exercise plan to ease the pain. 

Orthotics & Insoles  

Orthotics provide additional support and reduce pressure on the affected area. We use state-of-the-art technology to craft our own customised orthotics right here in our laboratory. The orthotics you get at footinjuryclinic are unique to your feet and take into consideration everything from your gait to your everyday activities. 

Strapping Techniques  

Take a look at the strapping technique used by our podiatrists HERE. This method uses tape to stabilise the arch, providing immediate relief by reducing strain on the plantar fascia. It’s simple yet particularly effective for managing plantar fasciitis. Our podiatrists can do this for you in our clinics. 

Why Visit a Podiatrist

While self-care can be effective for mild cases, seeing the expertise from our podiatrists is essential if the pain persists or worsens. Our podiatrist will confirm if your heel pain is indeed plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions like heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or even a stress fracture. They can recommend personalised solutions, such as custom orthotics and specific exercises to ease symptoms. By analysing your gait and foot biomechanics, our podiatrists can address underlying issues, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Recovery after Plantar Fasciitis

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. To reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, make sure you wear shoes that fit comfortably (make sure your shoes do not have pointy toes and are not too tight or too loose) and give you adequate support. Make sure to stretch your calves and plantar fascia regularly, especially before and after exercise. Lastly, listen to your body and address discomfort early.

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t need to stop you in your tracks (literally!). By consulting our team of podiatrists, you will have access to effective treatments, expert advice, and preventative care tailored to your life. Don’t let heel pain hold you back. Take the first step towards a pain-free movement. Contact us today.

 



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