Putting Your Feet First
Have you ever woken up from your slumber ready to start the day, only to be greeted with pain when your feet touched the ground? Maybe you know the feeling of finishing a jog and stopping to catch your breath, but feeling a sharp pain in your heels instead. Whether it’s one or both of these, chances are you’re familiar with plantar fasciitis— even if you didn’t know it.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the ligament connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot, leading to foot pain and discomfort in the lower extremities. It is frequently caused by factors such as abnormal foot stresses, with excess pronation or flat feet being the most common culprits. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may encounter pain that restricts your ability to walk or stand comfortably.
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
A tight plantar fascia is the primary cause of plantar fasciitis and may be triggered by:
- Muscle weakness
- Restricted joint range of motion
- Change of footwear or activity
- Foot posture treatment
There are several other causes of plantar fasciitis, including:
- 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
While plantar fasciitis can be uncomfortable and even painful, it is often manageable with proper treatment. The path to recovery requires patience and commitment from both you and your podiatrist. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may progress into a chronic condition and give rise to additional complications, including chronic pain, heel spurs, and a diminished quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we provide a diverse range of treatment options near Fairfield tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a student or a senior, our objective is to improve your mobility while minimising pain. We recognise that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not be useful for another. Our experienced podiatrists will create a customised management plan for you, which may involve shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear guidance, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and needling. In rare cases, surgery may be considered for severe plantar fasciitis, although it is not commonly required.
Are you ready to enter a world of comfort and walk with confidence in Fairfield?
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?
While you sleep, the inactivity causes your plantar fascia to contract and tighten. When you wake up and take your first steps, the sudden stretching of the plantar fascia may cause inflammation, resulting in pain during walking. If this is the case for you, performing stretching exercises in the morning may alleviate the discomfort.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis treatment near Fairfield to work?
How long treatment takes will vary depending on factors such as your individual circumstances and the severity of your condition. In general, recovery may take several weeks to several months. It’s important to stick with your tailored treatment plan as it is designed to assist you in the safest way possible.
Why Talaria Podiatrist is the Team for Your Feet
Dedicated Team
Since 2017, our team of podiatrists has been dedicated to serving Fairfield and offering a wealth of experience in the field of foot and nail care.
Welcoming Environment
Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, ensuring a personable experience for each individual who enters our clinic.
Local Care
Thornbury serves as our central location, allowing us to provide care to individuals residing in the surrounding communities such as Fairfield.
Get That Spring Back in Your Step
When you make the choice to contact us, you’re opening doors to a future where foot pain won’t hold you back anymore. We’ll partner with you to address your worries and identify the treatment that may best suit your needs, enabling you to achieve the finest possible results. Whether your objective is to go on lengthy walks, play basketball, or earn points for your team, we’re here to assist you in reaching those aspirations.
Let Us Care for You, Every Step of the Way
At Talaria Podiatrist, our proficient team of podiatrists is fully committed to delivering exceptional foot care and treatment for an extensive range of conditions near Fairfield, including plantar fasciitis. If you’re experiencing ongoing foot discomfort or seeking preventive care, our team is dedicated to assisting you. Rely on our extensive knowledge, state-of-the-art facilities, and friendly, personalised approach to provide customised solutions designed specifically for your unique requirements. Bid farewell to foot pain—reach out to Talaria Podiatrist today and take your first step towards improved foot health and overall well-being.