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 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.
Dealing with plantar fasciitis can be tough, but it doesn’t have to significantly disrupt your daily routine. If foot pain is causing difficulty in your mobility, reaching out to a podiatrist may offer practical 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
Additional causes of plantar fasciitis may 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
Although plantar fasciitis can range from discomfort to intense pain, it is frequently treatable. Achieving recovery requires patience and dedication from both you and your podiatrist. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may develop into a chronic condition, leading to complications such as chronic pain, heel spurs, and a decrease in overall quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we provide a diverse range of treatment options near Alphington 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.
Ready to step into comfort and walk with confidence in Alphington?
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?
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, a combination of your medical history and a physical examination is typically employed. In certain cases, additional imaging tests may be necessary. If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, it is advisable to seek the skills of a podiatrist, such as our team at Talaria Podiatrist, who will evaluate your symptoms, conduct a comprehensive foot examination, and provide a diagnosis.
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, 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 Alphington to work?
The duration of treatment for plantar fasciitis is influenced by various factors, including individual circumstances and the severity of the condition. In most cases, recovery may take several weeks to several months. It is crucial to adhere to your personalised treatment plan, as it is specifically designed to ensure your safety and facilitate the most successful outcome.
Why Talaria Podiatrist is the Team for Your Feet
Dedicated Team
With our team of podiatrists, Alphington 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
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 Alphington.
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 Alphington, 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.