Putting Your Feet First
Have you ever woken up full of energy, only to have that enthusiasm crushed by aching feet the moment they touch the ground? Or maybe you’ve had the frustrating experience of finishing a run, only to be greeted with a sharp pain in your heels instead of the exhilaration of accomplishment. Whether you’ve encountered one or both of these scenarios, it’s probable that you’re familiar with plantar fasciitis— even if you haven’t identified it as such.
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 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
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
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
Other factors that can contribute to 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 the discomfort and potential pain associated with plantar fasciitis, useful treatment options are often available. The road to recovery necessitates patience and commitment from both yourself and your podiatrist. If left unaddressed, plantar fasciitis may progress to a chronic condition, resulting in additional problems such as chronic pain, heel spurs, and a diminished quality of life.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we understand that each case of plantar fasciitis is unique, and we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options near Kew to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re a student or a senior, our primary goal is to support you with minimal pain and discomfort. We recognise the individuality of our patients and the variability in treatment usefulness. Our dedicated podiatrists will design a customised management plan for you, incorporating techniques such as shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear recommendations, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, and needling. In rare instances, surgery may be considered for severe cases of plantar fasciitis, although it is not a common course of action.
Ready to experience comfort with each step and walk confidently in Kew?
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?
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?
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?
During sleep, the plantar fascia undergoes contraction and tightening due to inactivity. When you wake up and the plantar fascia is suddenly stretched, it may become inflamed, causing pain during walking. If you experience this, performing stretching exercises in the morning may be useful.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis treatment near Kew to work?
The time required for treatment of plantar fasciitis varies depending on individual factors and the severity of the condition. Generally, the recovery process can range from several weeks to several months. It is vital to remain committed to your individualised treatment plan, as it is designed to guide you safely toward recovery.
Why Talaria Podiatrist is the Team for Your Feet
Dedicated Team
With our team of podiatrists, Kew 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
At our facility, we prioritise fostering a warm and friendly environment, and we strive to provide a personal touch to everyone who walks through our doors.
Local Care
Thornbury serves as our central location, allowing us to provide care to individuals residing in the surrounding communities such as Kew.
Get That Spring Back in Your Step
By reaching out to us, you’re unlocking a future where foot pain no longer needs to hinder your progress. We’ll collaborate with you to tackle your concerns and aim to discover the treatment option that suits you most, assisting you in attaining optimal results. Whether your aim is to enjoy leisurely strolls, play basketball, or contribute to your team’s score, we’re dedicated to supporting your journey.
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 Kew, 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.