Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common and painful condition of the foot that can cause considerable discomfort for many individuals. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the Plantar fascia, a long fibrous band that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis can be treated with supportive shoes and arch supports to reduce stress on the Plantar fascia, along with stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory medications if necessary. Severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery, although most people find relief from basic treatment measures.
While Plantar Fasciitis can be very painful and disruptive, it’s important to understand that recovery is possible with proper care and treatment.
Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused due to repetitive stress on the plantar fascia. This can be from activities such as running, walking, or standing for long periods of time due to the increased load and reduced tissue capacity. Weakness of the calves and foot muscles, inadequate footwear, increased BMI, age, gender and reduced mobility.
The signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis are commonly:
- Pain upon your first step in the morning
- Tenderness under the heel or along the arch of your foot
- Heel pain after long periods of standing or sitting
- Severe heel pain at the beginning of walking, running or other activities
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
There are a number of different treatment options available for heel pain, these ranging from conservative treatments such as shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, stretching and strengthening, footwear changes and lifestyle modifications.
Is a non-invasive treatment option that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the Plantar Fascia. This treatment option allows instant relief from pain and has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the heel, as well as helping regenerate tissue healing.
These are a non-invasive common treatment option to treat heel pain. Orthotics are devices that are inserted into the shoes and are designed to support the foot and relieve pressure on the heel. Through the use of 3D scanners they are custom 100% to your feet.
Is a simple, conservative treatments that can be effective in treating heel pain. It is important to stretch the calf and the plantar fascia . Strengthening exercises can help to take the strain off of the Plantar Fascia.
If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the best course of treatment for you. Heel pain can be debilitating and prevent you from living your life to the fullest.
Plantar Heel Pain Program
We can treat a wide range of conditions, injuries and pain in the foot, ankle and lower leg. Some of the more common conditions we treat include:
PLANTAR FASCIITIS FAQ's
The condition is usually caused by repetitive stress and strain on the plantar fascia, such as standing for long periods, running, or jumping.
Prevention measures for Plantar Fasciitis include wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and stretching the feet and legs regularly.
- People who are physically active, especially runners and people who play sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis are most at risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Anyone with an excessive arch in their feet stands at higher risk for plantar fasciitis due to increased strain on the plantar fascia.
- If you are overweight or obese, it increases the risk for plantar fasciitis because increased bodyweight adds additional stress on the plantar fascia.
To reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis and relieve symptoms, it is important to wear shoes with proper arch support when walking or running. Shoes designed specifically for plantar fasciitis should be lightweight and provide plenty of cushion to absorb shock during activity. In addition, they should have plenty of room in the toe area so that your feet are not cramped, as well as extra padding in the heels for additional support and comfort.
Stop your heel pain in its tracks
Book an appointment today so we can help you get back on your feet and doing the things you need and love to do.
