Identifying Plantar Fasciitis – Symptoms and Risk Factors
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you might be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis:
Persistent Heel Pain: This is particularly sharp in the morning or after sitting for a long time and can include foot pain just below the heel.
Stabbing Pain That Worsens After Exercise: The pain doesn’t necessarily occur during activity but intensifies once you stop.
Tenderness: You’ll feel this at the bottom of your foot near the heel, especially in the arch of your foot.
Swelling: Look for mild to moderate swelling around your heel or arch.
Risk factors include being overweight, engaging in high-impact activities like long-distance running, and having structural foot issues such as high arches or flat feet.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Plantar fasciitis can sometimes be confused with heel spurs or other foot conditions. At The Lower Limb Clinic, we can accurately diagnose your condition and create a tailored treatment plan. Contact The Lower Limb Clinic today to arrange a consultation.
The Lower Limb Clinic’s Approach to Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
At our clinic, we are use custom orthotics to treat plantar fasciitis in conjunction with other treatments. We want to get to the root cause of plantar fasciitis while making your day-to-day life more comfortable.
Our Examination Process for Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis
Assessment and Diagnosis: We start with an assessment of your foot health. We will conduct a biomechanical and gait analysis to pinpoint the severity and root causes of your condition.
Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on our assessment, we create a tailored treatment plan designed to address the underlying causes of your plantar fascia inflammation.
In-clinic treatment and care: Led by Dr. Richard Chasen, our team uses only proven, effective treatments and techniques.
Ongoing Support and Education: We equip our patients with the knowledge and support they need to manage their foot health. This could be in the form of exercises and stretches they can perform at home or showing you how to strap your foot for extra support.
Holistic Treatment Plans Targeting the Root Causes of Heel Pain
We understand that everyone’s body and lifestyle is different. That’s why we make sure our treatment plans are specifically designed for YOU, so you can get the best possible care and outcome.
Our holistic treatment plans target the origin of plantar fasciitis for lasting relief and improved foot function. The treatments we use vary case to case and will depend on the severity of your condition, the underlying causes, and your day-to-day lifestyle. We typically use some combination of the following.
- Custom Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis: Made in our on-site lab, these devices support and reduce stress on your plantar fascia and give it breathing room to heal. Learn more about our custom orthotics here.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises: We prescribe exercises and stretches that strengthen foot and ankle and calf muscles. These exercises are designed to improve flexibility, enhance foot mechanics, and reduce strain on the plantar fasciitis. These can also be performed at home.
- Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic shockwaves directed at the injured area. It is proven to stimulate deep tissue healing and speed up recovery.
- Foot and ankle strapping to minimise movement and inflammation
- Lifestyle Modifications: We might recommend adjusting activities that aggravate heel pain if we think it’s necessary.
- Footwear recommendations: If we think your shoes are contributing, we’ll recommend shoes that are easier on the heel.
- Short term use of Anti-inflammatory medication
Why Choose The Lower Limb Clinic for Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?
Choosing The Lower Limb Clinic for your plantar fasciitis treatment means you’re working with experts who really care about your foot health and well-being. Our experienced team has been treating cases of plantar fasciitis foot and heel pain since 1997, with a focus on high quality custom orthotics. As our multidisciplinary approach to patient care has evolved over time, we now offer services including general podiatry, dry needling and shockwave therapy to name a few. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve seen and treated every foot and ankle condition under the sun.
From your first visit to when you’re fully recovered, we provide ongoing support and guidance. Our team is here to answer any questions and help you understand your treatment options.
We know that your time is valuable, and that is why we strive for quick turnaround times and avoid unnecessarily extending consults. Our goal is to get back on your feet as quickly as possible and stay pain-free for a long time.
Frequent Questions We Get Asked About Plantar Fasciitis
Should I push through plantar fasciitis pain?
No, pushing through plantar fasciitis pain is not recommended. Doing so can worsen the condition and make recovery longer and more difficult. It’s important to get treatment early.
Why won’t my plantar fasciitis heel pain go away?
Plantar fasciitis may persist if the underlying causes, such as foot mechanics or lifestyle factors, are not addressed. Inadequate rest, inappropriate footwear, or insufficient treatment can prolong the condition. Additionally, not adhering to post-operative care instructions, such as elevating the foot and avoiding weight-bearing for 2 weeks, can delay recovery. Follow-up consultations with your surgeon and wound nurse specialist after 2-3 weeks are crucial for a successful recovery.
What causes plantar fasciitis to flare up?
Common triggers include excessive physical activity, especially running or jumping, poor footwear that lacks adequate support, or significant weight gain. Standing for long periods can also cause flare-ups.
Should you massage the plantar fascia?
Yes, gentle massage and stretching of the plantar fascia can help alleviate pain and improve flexibility. However, it should be done carefully to avoid excessive strain.
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?
Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and any shoes with minimal support or cushioning. These can increase stress on the plantar fascia and aggravate symptoms.
Is it better to walk or not walk with plantar fasciitis?
Moderate walking can be beneficial if done in supportive shoes and not overdone. It is essential to balance activity with rest to allow the plantar fascia time to heal.
What is the fastest way to heal plantar fasciitis?
The fastest way to heal is to combine rest, ice, proper footwear, and stretching exercises. Additionally, treatments like custom orthotics and shock wave therapy provided by a podiatrist can significantly speed up recovery.