This is one of the most common reasons we see patients come through our door at Hills Podiatry Centre.
What is the plantar fascia?
The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that originates in the calcaneus (Heel bone), follows along the arch and attaches at the site of the 5 metatarsal heads in the forefoot. Plantar fascitis is a common condition arising in the heel primarily experienced during the first few steps when your feet hit the floor in the morning or perhaps after a big day on your feet.
What causes it?
Factors such as excessive rolling of your foot which causes our arch to flatten. As a result of flattening the plantar fascia stretches and causes damage around the insertion point at the heel.
Tightness in the calf muscles, changes in activity and ground surfaces and weight gain are all predisposing factors to Plantar fascilitis.
Who commonly presents with this type of pain?
Runners, Athletes, those who increase physical activity (gym, boot camp) and prolong standing on hard surfaces.
How do we treat it?
- Our aim is to decrease the inflammation in order to relieve pain.
- Address the cause of the pain.
- At Hills Podiatry Centre we will perform a detailed history, joint, posture and muscle assessment. We will also undertake a ZEBRIS force and gait assessment. The podiatrist will explain frame by frame what is causing your plantar fasciitis.
- 80% of people will have pain relief from our orthotics as they treat the problem by reducing traction at the heel bone attachment of the plantar fascia.
- Our Podiatrist will implement a treatment plan consisting of ice, taping, compression socks, orthotics and footwear advice.
