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, a condition affecting the ligament connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot, is a common cause of foot pain and discomfort in the lower limbs. It often occurs due to factors such as abnormal stresses running through the foot, most commonly by excess pronation or flat feet. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may feel pain that hinders your ability to walk or stand comfortably.
Living with plantar fasciitis may be challenging, but it doesn’t have to significantly impact your daily activities. If you find yourself dealing with foot pain that interferes with your ability to move with ease, a podiatrist may be able to help.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis vary from person to person but generally include those such as:
- 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
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is a tight plantar fascia, which may be brought on by:
- 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 being uncomfortable at best and painful at worst, plantar fasciitis is often treatable. The journey to recovery requires patience and dedication on both your part and your podiatrist’s, as if left untreated plantar fasciitis can become chronic and lead to further problems such as chronic pain, heel spurs, and a reduced quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist we offer a wide range of treatment options to suit your specific case. Whether you’re a student or a senior, our goal is to get you moving with as little pain as possible! We recognise that everybody is different, so a treatment plan that works for one person may not work for another. Our podiatrists will construct a management plan tailored to you which may include shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear advice, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and needling. In severe cases surgery may be considered, but this is uncommon for plantar fasciitis.
Ready to step into comfort and walk with confidence?
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Who can get plantar fasciitis?
Anybody can potentially develop plantar fasciitis, but certain factors may increase your risk. People who engage in activities that place stress on the feet such as athletes, runners, dancers, or people with jobs that require prolonged standing or walking are often most susceptible. Other risk factors include having flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, being overweight, and wearing inadequate footwear. While it can develop in people of any age, it’s most common in middle aged people between the ages of 40 and 60.
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?
Several factors may make plantar fasciitis worse such as prolonged standing or walking, high-impact activities, inadequate footwear, and tight muscles in the lower limbs.
Why does plantar fasciitis hurt more in the morning?
While you sleep, your plantar fascia contracts and tightens as it isn’t being used. After sleeping for a night, the sudden stretching of the plantar fascia may cause it to become inflamed which may make walking painful. You may find stretching exercises in the morning useful if this is the case for you.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis treatment 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 help you in the safest way possible.
What areas do you service?
Located in Thornbury, we are just around the corner from Preston, Northcote, Ivanhoe, Coburg, Brunswick, Alphington, Fairfield, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Reservoir, Bulleen, Kew, Rosanna and Collingwood!
Why Talaria Podiatrist is the Team for Your Feet
Dedicated Team
Our team of podiatrists have been caring for Thornbury feet since 2017, offering a wealth of education and experience in all things feet and nails.
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.
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, helping 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 help you get there.
Let Us Care for You, Every Step of the Way
Our team of experienced podiatrists is dedicated to providing exceptional foot care and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Whether you’re struggling with persistent foot pain or seeking preventive care, our team at Talaria Podiatrist is here to help. Trust in our knowledge and skill, state-of-the-art facilities, and friendly, personalised approach to deliver solutions tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let foot pain hold you back any longer— contact Talaria Podiatrist today and take the first stride towards healthier, happier feet.