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, 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 aid you.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may differ from person to person but generally 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
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
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 Brunswick 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 experience comfort with each step and walk confidently in Brunswick?
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?
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis typically involves taking into account your medical history and performing a physical examination. Additional imaging tests may be required in certain cases. If you suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, the initial step is to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, such as our team at Talaria Podiatrist, who will carefully evaluate your symptoms, conduct a comprehensive foot examination, and provide a diagnosis.
What makes plantar fasciitis worse?
Plantar fasciitis may be aggravated by various factors, including prolonged standing or walking, high-impact activities, wearing improper 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 Brunswick 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
Our team of podiatrists have been caring for Brunswick 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
Thornbury serves as our central location, allowing us to provide care to individuals residing in the surrounding communities such as Brunswick.
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
Our team of experienced podiatrists is committed to delivering exceptional foot care and treatment for a diverse range of conditions near Brunswick, such as plantar fasciitis. Whether you’re grappling with enduring foot pain or seeking preventative care, our skilled professionals at Talaria Podiatrist are ready to assist. Rely on our skills and proficiency, advanced facilities, and welcoming, individualised approach to provide customised solutions for your specific requirements. Refuse to allow foot pain to hinder your progress any further—reach out to Talaria Podiatrist now and embark on the initial step towards improved, more content feet.