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Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

We treat the cause of Plantar Fasciitis and get results!

 

Do you suffer from debilitating heel pain or arch pain? If so you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis or a heel spur.

 

Our Podiatrists at Viewbank Podiatry know the keys to successful plantar fasciitis treatment, even in long standing chronic cases. 

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Our treatment focuses on the cause and not just reducing the symptoms.

 

Our Podiatrists know which treatments and orthotics work the best to get plantar fasciitis relief and our patient results speak for themselves.

Foot Xray
Plantar Arch Support - Viewbank Podiatry

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot complaints, experienced by thousands of Australians every day. It can affect one or both heels and is often worse first thing in the morning and then eases later in the day.


The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous ligament that runs under the foot from the heel bone to the toes. It forms the arch of the foot and functions as our natural shock-absorbing mechanism. Unlike muscle tissue, the plantar fascia is not very elastic and therefore is very limited in its capacity to stretch or elongate.


When too much traction is placed on the plantar fascia (for various reasons) micro-tearing will occur, resulting in irritation, inflammation and pain.


Plantar Fasciitis usually causes pain under the heel. However some people may experience pain under the arch of the foot. Both heel pain and arch discomfort are related to Plantar Fasciitis, with heel pain being far more common than arch pain.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a bony growth at the front/underside of the heel bone. Spurs develop due to the body responding to the constant traction and pulling from the plantar fascia ligament away from the heel bone.  


After diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis, you may be required to have an X-Ray taken. A heel spur will show clearly on an X-Ray of your foot. Calcaneal spurs are not painful. Pain is only caused because of inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heel spur.


Many who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis do not have a heel spur and vice-versa, those with heel spurs don’t always have painful feet.  Spurs take many years to develop, they can also be found underneath the heel bone and also at the back of the heel (near the Achilles Tendon) or in other parts of the body.

What does a Plantar Fasciitis
feel like?

Heel pain is more intense with your first steps out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a while. During rest, our muscles and ligaments tend to shorten and tighten up. The tightening of the plantar fascia means more traction on the ligament making the tissue even more sensitive. With sudden weight-bearing the tissue is being traumatised, resulting in a stabbing pain or deep ache.


After walking around for a while, the ligament warms up, becomes more flexible, eliminating the pain or becoming more of a dull ache. After walking a long distance or standing for hours the pain is likely to return.

What causes Fasciitis?

Different contributing factors can overstretch the plantar fascia ligament under the foot including:

 

  • Overuse - Activities that involve a lot of running or jumping, or standing for long periods of time, can put excessive stress on the plantar fascia, leading to micro-tears and inflammation.
     

  • Weight gain - excess weight places great pressure on the bones, nerves, muscles and ligaments in the feet, leading to inflammation and pain. Often common in pregnancy.
     

  • Age - As we age, the plantar fascia can become weaker and more susceptible to injury. Aging can also lead to a loss of flexibility and elasticity in the foot, which can exacerbate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms.
     

  • Unsupportive footwear- Wearing shoes with poor arch support, inadequate cushioning, or that are too tight can put unnecessary stress on the plantar fascia, leading to injury and inflammation.
     

  • Walking barefoot - Walking barefoot or wearing unsupportive shoes, such as flip-flops or sandals, can place additional strain on the plantar fascia and lead to injury, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or tiles.
     

  • Low arch/flat feet/overpronation - Low arches or flat feet, as well as overpronation (when the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running), can lead to excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Wearing shoes with proper arch support or using orthotic inserts can help prevent Plantar Fasciitis in those with flat feet or overpronation.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:
 

  • Pain in the heel or arch of the foot, typically felt in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
     

  • Stiffness or tightness in the bottom of the foot.
     

  • Pain that worsens after standing or walking for prolonged periods.
     

  • Tenderness or soreness in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel.
     

  • Aching or burning sensations in the foot.
     

  • Swelling or inflammation in the foot, although this is less common.
     

  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.


If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis

Listed below are the most common forms of short and long term treatments:
 

  • Massage - Massage therapy can help to reduce tension and promote circulation in the affected area. Massaging the plantar fascia can help to loosen tight muscles and relieve pain. An effective way to warm up the tissue prior to walking. At Viewbank Podiatry we have a range of effective foot massagers to purchase.
     

  • Stretching - Stretching exercises can help to reduce tension in the plantar fascia and promote healing. Be careful that you only stretch your calf.  Avoid stretching the foot as this will delay healing.
     

  • Strapping - Strapping the affected foot can help to provide support and reduce tension on the plantar fascia. This can help to alleviate pain and promote healing. 
     

  • Ultrasound - Ultrasound therapy can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area. It works by using high-frequency sound waves to stimulate circulation and promote tissue repair.
     

  • Shockwave Therapy - Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in the affected area. This treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.
     

  • Anti-inflammatories - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. These medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Check with your pharmacist before beginning treatment.
     

  • Orthotic Therapy - Orthotics can help treat plantar fasciitis as they help support the foots natural arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. By doing this orthotics treat the cause of plantar fasciitis. In chronic cases of heel pain our podiatrists find that custom orthotics give better clinical results than prefabricated or “off the shelf” orthotics. An accurate custom orthotic will support a high arch foot and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. It will also aid in stretching the tight fascia whilst removing forces off the heel insertion area, allowing for healing.
     

  • Footwear - Wearing appropriate footwear can help to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and promote healing. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can be helpful in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
     

  • Injection Therapy - Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area. While this treatment can be effective in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it should be used with caution as repeated injections can lead to tissue damage.
     

  • Rest and Ice Treatment - are often recommended as short-term treatment. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Resting the foot and applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling.

FAQ's About Plantar Fasciitis

How is Plantar Fasciitis diagnosed?

Plantar Fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history. X-rays or ultrasounds may be ordered to rule out other conditions.


Can Plantar Fasciitis be prevented?

Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis involves taking steps to reduce the risk of injury to the plantar fascia. This may include wearing supportive footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, stretching regularly, and avoiding activities that place excessive strain on the feet.


How long does it take to get rid of plantar fasciitis?

If you follow all of the treatment advice given to you by your podiatrist at Viewbank Podiatry, most plantar fasciitis complaints will be 90% resolved within 4 weeks. It is very important that you adhere strictly to the advice and follow the treatment regime prescribed by your podiatrist.


Do I need to stop exercising to fix my plantar fasciitis?

Continuing to exercise will delay the healing process. Rest is required to allow the ligament to repair and repeated stress will continue to injure the plantar fascia ligament. 


Can I just get a cortisone injection to fix my plantar fasciitis?

Cortisone is used to rapidly reduce the inflammation in the tissues. In a lot of cases this will relieve symptoms. You will need to have treatment in place to prevent the heel pain from returning. At Viewbank Podiatry, most of our patients’ plantar fasciitis symptoms will resolve without resorting to Cortisone Injections.


Are heel spurs painful?

An actual heel spur is unlikely to be the cause of your heel pain. Pain is usually caused by the inflammation of the ligament attaching into the bone, not the bone itself.


Does being overweight cause plantar fasciitis?

Weight gain can contribute to plantar fasciitis, although it is not the main cause. The importance of getting your plantar fascial pain under control is our number one priority, so you can get back to exercising. Many people develop plantar fasciitis when trying to lose weight due to the increase in activity.


Book a consultation with one of our experienced Podiatrists, who can help treat your heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis - Viewbank Podiatry
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