Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
Pain and stiffness in the arch or the bottom of the heel, especially after periods of rest or first thing in the morning, may indicate that you have plantar fasciitis. “Plantar” means the bottom of the foot, “fascia” is the thick tissue connecting the heel to the toes and “itis” means inflammation of. So plantar fasciitis or heel pain is the inflammation that is experienced in the fascial band that runs along the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is a result of injury to the plantar fascia. Common causes of injury are due to excessive stretch on the plantar fascia such as flat feet or rolling over of the foot, tight muscles in the leg and foot or as a result of your biomechanics (the way you walk or run). It commonly arises after increasing exercise, wearing poor footwear or just being on your feet for a long time. These activities cause the plantar fascia to become overloaded and therefore result in pain and stiffness. An easy way to think of this is there are micro-tears along the arch band that then do not get the chance to heal due to the nature of us being on our feet for long periods of time. Weakening of the small muscles of the foot also occurs. Podiatrists can diagnose plantar fasciitis and assist you with multiple treatment options such as dry needling, exercises and orthotics to address flat feet and any other biomechanical problems. Treatment may also include taping of the feet, footwear advice, stretching and deep tissue massage.
When left untreated for long periods, heel spurs may also develop. If you live in Scarborough, Wembley Downs, Innaloo, Churchlands or Woodlands, we are able to help you get fast relief from your arch or heel pain.
