Plantar fasciitis is something that really stops people in their tracks. It's one of the leading reasons that people come and see us.
You have plantar fasciitis when your 'plantar fascia' gets inflamed—and that's the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot.
The tissue runs from your heel through to the middle of your foot.
And it stops people in their tracks because it's so painful.
Wearing unsupportive shoes or being on your feet all day - two things to avoid.
Risk Factors
There are a few stand out risk factors that bring on plantar fasciitis.
They're all ways that increase the pressure on this band of tissue, including:
- being on your feet for long stretches (say if you work in a job where you have to stay standing)
- high-impact exercise on a hard surface
- wearing shoes which don't have enough cushioning and arch support
- overstretching the sole of your foot
- being pregnant—with its associated weight gain and relaxed ligaments, and
- being overweight—which means more weight and pressure on your feet.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain, which can affect any area underneath the heel but is most common a few centimeters forward from the heel. It's usually just one foot that's affected.
You'll typically first notice plantar fasciitis pain under your heel or in your foot arch in the morning or after resting.
Your heel pain will be worse with the first steps and improves with activity as it warms up.
Seek treatment early
Plantar fasciitis gets worse, so it's important that you call us early.
As it deteriorates, the pain is present more often, and is like a typical overuse injury, including heel pain before, during and after exercise.
If you delay seeking treatment, you may end up with calcium forming within the plantar fascia. If this forms near the heel bone, it's known as a "heel spur" and this is harder to treat.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your podiatrist will look into your symptoms and history and perform a clinical examination.
Once we've confirmed that yes, you do have plantar fasciitis, we'll develop a treatment plan with you.
We will use a mix of gentle massage, stretches, balance exercises and foot ‘mobilisation’—which means releasing stuck or restricted joints in your feet and legs.
And, depending on your condition, we will set you a tailored set of balance, stretch and strength exercises, to speed your recovery.
We can also advise you on the best shoes to wear.
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is reversible and very successfully treated.
The latest research says that about 90 percent of people with plantar fasciitis improve within two months from the time treatment starts.
