Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue that runs from the heel to the toes along the bottom of your foot. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Symptoms generally include pain on the sole of the foot that is worse in the morning and after prolonged sitting, it may also increase after prolonged activity i.e. running. The pain is often described as a dull ache or stone bruise. It may also present as a sharp stabbing pain with weight-bearing and "stiffness" or tension in the arch area * underneath the foot.
Common causes include
Prolonged standing and/or increased levels of physical activity
Bio-mechanical imbalances and uneven pressure distribution along the foot
Wearing inappropriate footwear with poor support, such as jandals or ballet flats
Tight calf muscles or neural tension
Sudden body weight changes
Trauma to the foot
Treatment at home may help initially. We suggest rest (reduced load) and elevation, rolling the foot on an ice bottle or tennis ball, self massage with topical anti inflammatory's i.e. Voltaren gel, avoiding bare feet and inappropriate footwear, stretching your calf muscles.
Help from a Podiatrist at Complete Podiatry may include
Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis (Doctor google isn't always correct).
Strapping to support the arch and reducing strain and stress along the fascia.
Orthotic intervention - addressing the underlying bio-mechanical cause and reduced loading through the irritated structures.
Footwear recommendations
Stretching and strengthening program
Shock wave therapy
Referral for imaging and blood tests