Plantar Fasciitis
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a piece of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain (Bahr, 2012). Usually It is developed after overuse, over stretching or from a medical condition.
What are the common symptoms?
- Pain under the heel
- Usually bothersome in the morning when getting up from bed, after prolonged sitting/standing or after intense physical activity (Sports Medicine Australia,2022) .
What can increase my chances of developing plantar fasciitis?
- Physical activity with high stress on the heel bone, e.g. running.
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Feet deformities
- Wearing ill fitting shoes
- Tight calf muscles
- Above middle age
- Being on your feet for prolonged periods (Sports Medicine Australia, 2022)
How will this be diagnosed?
- Physiotherapists are usually able to make a diagnosis after asking you some questions about your symptoms, type of work you do and your lifestyle.
- There will also be a physical exam where the therapist will have a look at your feet checking for swelling, redness, any points of tenderness, stiffness, tightness or weakness.
What are the different types of treatment options?
- There are a few interventions a physiotherapists can guide you through including:
Recommendation for pain-relief medications
Modifications to your training/weight bearing activity
Modifications to footwear or insoles
Stretching exercises specific for plantar fasciitis
Friction massage
Taping
And therapeutic cold ice recommendations
Will my pain go away?
Usually the pain can improve over time with conservative treatments
Most people become asymptomatic within 4-6 weeks (Bahr, 2012)
Why come to UPG?
If you are suffering from heel pain similar to this come to see one of our physiotherapists to help guide you through your rehabilitation and treatment. The physiotherapists at the clinic will be able to assist with:
Reducing the initial pain and inflammation
Improve your flexibility
Strengthen the plantar fascia
Return to play
Prevent this from happening again
Written by Phoebe Cunningham : Physiotherapist - UPG Studio
References:
Bahr, R. (2012). The IOC manual of sports injuries: An illustrated guide to the management of injuries in physical activity. John Wiley & Sons.
Health Direct. (2021, June 20). Plantar fasciitis. Trusted Health Advice | healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/plantar-fasciitis
Sports Medicine Australia. (2022). Plantar Fasciitis. https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/plantar-fasciitis/