Putting Your Feet First
Have you ever started your day excited and ready to go, only to be met with pain as soon as your feet hit the ground? Perhaps you’ve experienced the discomfort of finishing a jog and feeling a sharp pain in your heels instead of the satisfaction of a good workout. Whether it’s one or both of these situations, it’s likely that you’re familiar with plantar fasciitis— even if you haven’t realised it.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterised by foot pain and discomfort in the lower limbs. It occurs when the ligament connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot becomes inflamed. This inflammation is often caused by factors such as abnormal foot stresses, particularly excess pronation or flat feet. If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, you may experience pain that hampers your ability to walk or stand with ease.
Living with plantar fasciitis can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to greatly impact your daily activities. If you’re struggling with foot pain that hinders your mobility, seeking assistance from a podiatrist may offer solutions.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
While the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can vary from person to person, they typically include:
- Tenderness on the heel or arch
- Pain first thing in the morning when getting out of bed
- Pain after being seated for a while and standing up
- Sharp shooting pain getting worse throughout the day
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Pain that worsens with activity such as walking and running
- Pain that worsens when pressing on the affected area
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by a tight plantar fascia, which may be attributed to:
- Muscle weakness
- Restricted joint range of motion
- Change of footwear or activity
- Foot posture treatment
Some other causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- Overpronation (where the foot rolls inward when walking or running)
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Performing repetitive activities such as walking, running, and dancing
- Tight calf muscles
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Improper footwear (lack of cushioning and/or improper arch support)
- Ageing
- Weight gain
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Despite the discomfort and potential pain associated with plantar fasciitis, useful treatment options are often available. The road to recovery necessitates patience and commitment from both yourself and your podiatrist. If left unaddressed, plantar fasciitis may progress to a chronic condition, resulting in additional problems such as chronic pain, heel spurs, and a diminished quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we understand that each case of plantar fasciitis is unique, and we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options near Coburg to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re a student or a senior, our primary goal is to support you with minimal pain and discomfort. We recognise the individuality of our patients and the variability in treatment usefulness. Our dedicated podiatrists will design a customised management plan for you, incorporating techniques such as shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear recommendations, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and needling. In rare instances, surgery may be considered for severe cases of plantar fasciitis, although it is not a common course of action.
Are you ready to enter a world of comfort and walk with confidence in Coburg?
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Who can get plantar fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, there are specific risk factors that may increase the likelihood. Individuals engaged in activities that strain the feet, such as athletes, runners, dancers, or those with occupations involving prolonged standing or walking, are often more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Other risk factors include having flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, being overweight, and wearing improper footwear. While plantar fasciitis can develop at any age, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed with a combination of your medical history and a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests may also be required. If you’re concerned you may have plantar fasciitis, the first step is to see a podiatrist such as our team at Talaria Podiatrist so we can discuss your symptoms and examine and assess your feet.
What makes plantar fasciitis worse?
There are several factors that can contribute to worsening plantar fasciitis, such as prolonged standing or walking, engaging in high-impact activities, wearing inadequate footwear, and having tight muscles in the lower limbs.
Why does plantar fasciitis hurt more in the morning?
As you sleep, your plantar fascia contracts and tightens due to the lack of movement. When you wake up and put weight on your feet, the sudden stretching of the plantar fascia may lead to inflammation, resulting in painful walking. If you encounter this issue, incorporating morning stretching exercises may be beneficial.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis treatment near Coburg to work?
The time required for treatment of plantar fasciitis varies depending on individual factors and the severity of the condition. Generally, the recovery process can range from several weeks to several months. It is vital to remain committed to your individualised treatment plan, as it is designed to guide you safely toward recovery.
Why Talaria Podiatrist is the Team for Your Feet
Dedicated Team
With our team of podiatrists, Coburg feet have been receiving exceptional care since 2017. Our professionals bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience in the realm of foot and nail care.
Welcoming Environment
We pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming environment and our personable approach to everybody who comes through our door.
Local Care
We’re conveniently located in Thornbury and also provide care to those in surrounding communities such as Coburg.
Get That Spring Back in Your Step
By taking the step to reach out to us, you’re opening the door to a future where foot pain doesn’t have to hold you back. We’ll work with you to address your concerns and find the treatment that suits you best, supporting you to achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether your goal is to take long walks, shoot hoops, or score points for your team, we’re here to assist you get there.
Let Us Care for You, Every Step of the Way
Dedicated to providing outstanding foot care and treatment for various conditions near Coburg, including plantar fasciitis, our team of experienced podiatrists is here to assist you. Whether you’re facing persistent foot pain or in need of preventive care, Talaria Podiatrist is your trusted partner. Count on our practical, modern facilities, and warm, personalised approach to deliver tailored solutions to meet your individual needs. Don’t let foot pain restrict you any longer—get in touch with Talaria Podiatrist today and start your journey towards healthier and happier feet.