Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and affects people of all ages and activity levels. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. This tissue connects your heel bone to your toes and plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of your foot. At Podiatry Hub, we specialise in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis, helping you regain pain-free movement and get back to your daily activities.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia acts like a shock absorber, supporting the arch of your foot. However, when there is excessive tension or stress on this tissue, small tears can occur, leading to inflammation and pain. Over time, this repeated stress can cause the fascia to become irritated, resulting in the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:
Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when taking your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest
Pain that worsens after exercise or prolonged standing
Discomfort that is more intense after activity, rather than during it

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain and even affect the way you walk, potentially causing other foot, knee, hip, or back problems.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:
Overuse or Repetitive Strain: Activities such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods can place excessive stress on the plantar fascia.
Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate arch support, cushioning, or that are worn out can increase your risk.
Flat Feet or High Arches: Both flat feet and high arches can cause abnormal strain on the plantar fascia.
Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old.
Weight Gain: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your feet, increasing the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis.
Tight Calf Muscles: Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can lead to increased tension on the plantar fascia.

How We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis

At Podiatry Hub, our podiatrists conduct a thorough examination to accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis. This includes:
Discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and any activities that may contribute to the pain
Examining your foot structure, gait, and posture
Conducting a physical assessment, including checking for areas of tenderness or swelling
In some cases, diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) may be used to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures or heel spurs.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated with non-invasive methods. Our podiatrists offer a range of treatment options designed to reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent future occurrences. These include:

Rest and Activity Modification
Reducing activities that aggravate your condition, such as running or standing for long periods, can help alleviate pain and give your plantar fascia time to heal. Our podiatrists will guide you on how to modify your activities to minimise stress on your foot.