Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms & Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that can impact your daily life. This condition occurs when the collagen in the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue in the sole of the foot, becomes damaged without significant inflammation. Plantar fasciitis can manifest in the arch or heel of the foot and is often referred to as plantar fasciosis when serious/chronic.

Are you looking for expert treatment? Book online today with Up & Running at any of our 3 Melbourne clinics: Port Melbourne, Williamstown and Elsternwick.

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The onset of pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually gradual, characterised by a sharp stab or deep ache, most commonly in the heel of the foot. This discomfort is often most noticeable in the morning, known as “first step pain,” and tends to improve with activity as the area warms up, called the warm up phenomenon.. However, pain may persist post-activity and after prolonged periods of sitting down.

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Plantar fasciitis can affect individuals with varying arch types. Those with either very high arches or low arches may be at risk due to poor shock absorption or increased strain on the tissue. Additional factors that may contribute to plantar fasciitis include overtraining, running on hard surfaces, wearing worn-out shoes, or having tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons.

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Plantar Fasciitis is a persistent condition which usually gets worse and more difficult to treat the longer it’s present. Here are some common treatment remedies:

Short-term treatment options

1. Avoidance of aggravating activity and running of soft surfaces
2. Correctly fitted running shoes
3. Avoidance of walking barefoot and use of supportive shoes
4. Stretching tight calf muscles
5. Icing and massaging the foot with a massage (lacrosse) ball

Podiatry treatment options

1. Strapping or taping of the foot to support the arch
2. Activity modification (we want to keep you active!)
3. Footwear advice
4. Strength exercises
5. Orthotics
6. Shockwave therapy 
7. Night splints

At Up & Running Podiatry, we specialise in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. Our experienced team of podiatrists in Melbourne will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

These include:

• Pain Reduction: Our goal is to alleviate your pain and discomfort, allowing you to resume your daily activities pain-free.
• Customised Orthotics: We may recommend orthotic devices to support your feet and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
• Stretching Exercises: We’ll provide you with effective stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of your calf muscles and Achilles tendons.
• Footwear Advice: Proper footwear is crucial. We’ll guide you on selecting shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioning.

Shockwave Therapy: In some cases, we may recommend shockwave therapy as an FDA-approved treatment for plantar fasciitis.

Don’t let plantar fasciitis disrupt your life. Visit one of our three Melbourne clinics in Port Melbourne, Elsternwick, or Williamstown, and take the first step towards pain-free feet. Book your appointment today and let our podiatry experts help you regain your comfort and mobility!