What is Plantar Fasciitis and how to treat it

Posted by Author Central on August 8th, 2022

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel, due to issues occurring in the plantar fascia. Over time, wear and tear or injury can cause damage to the plantar fascia, which is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. Its primary function is a shock absorber and provides support to the arch of your foot. Experiencing too much pressure on your feet makes the plantar fascia become inflamed or stiff.

SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

The most common symptom is pain at the bottom of the heel or midfoot area. It can affect just one or both feet.  This can either be an ache or a stabbing pain which will occur when you are on your feet. Symptoms include:

• Sharp or aching pain in the inside bottom part of the heel
• Heel Pain
• Swelling

CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Due to the shape of the plantar fascia, tension and stress can happen easily. Small tears occur quite easily and this can cause inflammation or stress. 

PLANTAR FASCIITIS PREVENTION CENTRAL COAST

There are definitely ways you can prevent the occurrence of Plantar Fasciitis. The main things you can do is ensure your shoes are supportive, warming up before sport, regularly replacing runners, allowing recovery time between exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. 

PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATMENT CENTRAL COAST

The specialised podiatrists at East Coast Podiatry have a wealth of experience when it comes to diagnosing and treating Plantar Fasciitis. We believe that treatment for Plantar Fasciitis often involves several different approaches to rehabilitate and prevent Plantar Fasciitis. Immediate treatment can provide swift relief for symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, but a podiatrist should be seen as soon as possible to recommend a long term treatment plan. Initial treatment can include gentle stretching, taping, arch support and heel lifts, weight loss and possibly physiotherapy. Plantar Fasciitis varies from person to person as every foot is unique, so long term treatments should be performed and recommended by an experienced podiatrist. These different treatments and aids include: 

ORTHOSES

To improve your arch support and reduce the pain that Plantar Fasciitis can cause, our podiatrists can either prescribe off the shelf orthotics or fit your foot for some custom orthoses. This will help distribute the pressure the foot more evenly and reduce strain. 

EXERCISES

Your podiatrist may suggest several different exercises to stretch the plantar fascia to improve strength and stabilisation

STRAPPING

Often professional strapping applied by a podiatrist can provide immediate relief and support for the Plantar Fasciitis. 

SUPPORT SOCKS AND COMPRESSION

Compression garments and support socks may offer another layer of support for stabilisation and increase circulation. 

MEDICAL INTERVENTION

Medication, injection therapy and surgery are treatments advised for extremely severe cases of Plantar Fasciitis. Your podiatrist will advise you on the severity of your case and offer advice on what treatment is necessary