Putting Your Feet First
Have you ever experienced the disappointment of waking up in the morning, eager to begin your day, only to be met with foot pain as soon as your feet hit the floor? Or perhaps you’re familiar with the sharp heel pain that can occur after a jog, leaving you breathless for the wrong reasons. Whether it’s one or both of these scenarios, it’s highly likely that you’re acquainted with plantar fasciitis— even if you weren’t aware of 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
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can vary from individual to individual, but they 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
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
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 may become chronic and lead to further problems such as chronic pain, heel spurs, and a reduced quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we prioritise offering a wide range of treatment options near Heidelberg tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a student or a senior, our focus is on supporting you to move with minimal pain. We understand that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Our skilled podiatrists will develop a personalised management plan for you, which may involve shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear advice, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and needling. In severe cases of plantar fasciitis, surgery may be considered, although it is not a common solution.
Are you ready to enter a world of comfort and walk with confidence in Heidelberg?
Your Plantar Fasciitis Questions Answered
Who can get plantar fasciitis?
While plantar fasciitis can occur in anyone, certain factors increase the risk. People engaged in activities that exert pressure on the feet, such as athletes, runners, dancers, or individuals with jobs involving prolonged standing or walking, are often at higher risk. Other factors include having flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, being overweight, and wearing unsupportive footwear. While plantar fasciitis can develop at any age, it is most commonly observed 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, 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 near Heidelberg 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
Since 2017, our team of podiatrists has been committed to the well-being of Heidelberg feet, providing extensive education and knowledge in all matters related to 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 Heidelberg.
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 Heidelberg, 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.