Mornings with plantar fasciitis can be like walking on shards of glass, but you no longer need to tip-toe around the issue. Get the practical help and treatment you need today to put your best foot forward.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation at the bottom of the foot or base of the heel. It is caused by overuse and strain on the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. This condition is common among athletes, runners, weekend warriors, and people who stand on their feet for long periods at work.
Podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis. They can provide a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and improve the foot’s function.
The most common treatments for plantar fasciitis include load management, stretching, and graduated strengthening exercises. These exercises help to loosen and lengthen the plantar fascia and other muscles in the foot, reducing pain and improving function while allowing the tissue to adapt to the loads required by the feet.
Another standard treatment for plantar fasciitis is the use of orthotic therapy inserts. These orthotics can be off the shelf or made through 3D scanning of the feet and are placed inside the shoe to provide extra support and cushioning to the foot. In addition, they can help improve the foot’s biomechanics, redistribute weight, and take pressure off the plantar fascia, which can assist in reducing pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy is another treatment option for plantar fasciitis. A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the foot, ankle, and calf, which can help alleviate pain and improve function.
A physiotherapist or podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in severe cases. However, this treatment should be used cautiously, as it may have side effects.
Surgical intervention may be beneficial if conservative treatments are ineffective in rare cases. However, plantar fasciitis can be debilitating and may require a more extended period to facilitate healing.
It is essential to maintain a healthy weight to aid in the prevention of plantar fasciitis. These shoes fit soundly, provide support, and allow regular exercise, notably lower limb strengthening. Suppose you experience pain in the bottom of your foot or around the heel. In that case, it is crucial to seek treatment from a physiotherapist or a podiatrist in Adelaide as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and becoming more chronic.
In conclusion, plantar fasciitis is a common condition that a podiatrist and physiotherapist can treat with various methods. Some common treatments podiatrists and physiotherapists recommend are stretching, orthotic inserts, load management, strength exercises, night splints, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered a last resort if conservative treatments are ineffective.
To prevent plantar fasciitis, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, wear shoes that fit well, provide support, and engage in regular exercise.
To get help getting back on your feet pain-free, call our team of podiatrists and physiotherapists at 08 8359 2022 to get the support you need today!
