What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition we frequently treat at David Brown Podiatry, serving patients across the UK. This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running from your heel to your toes, connecting your foot muscles to your bones. Excessive strain on this band can result in inflammation, giving rise to plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp or dull pain felt in the heel, which can also radiate across the bottom of your foot. Additional symptoms may include:
- A burning sensation on the bottom of your foot.
- Pain that intensifies after long periods of standing or sitting.
- Increased discomfort following activities such as walking or running.
- Pain experienced during your initial steps upon waking.
- Difficulty in climbing stairs.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can develop due to a variety of factors:
- Being overweight or obese, leading to increased strain on the plantar fascia.
- Having flat feet or unusually high arches.
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon.
- Overtraining or abruptly increasing running or walking distances.
- Performing activities on uneven surfaces.
- Wearing unsupportive or worn-out footwear.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
At David Brown Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists diagnose plantar fasciitis by considering your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and conducting a comprehensive physical examination of your foot and leg. We identify areas of tenderness and evaluate your pain and its specific location. In certain instances, we might suggest imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound scans to rule out other potential issues.
Self Help Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
There are several steps you can take at home to manage the symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
- Rest your feet and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
- Apply ice to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Choose supportive shoes and avoid walking barefoot whenever possible.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen may help alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Regular, gentle stretching exercises for your foot and lower leg can help ease tension in the plantar fascia.
Podiatrist's Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
If self-help treatments do not provide sufficient relief, our podiatrists at David Brown Podiatry can offer a variety of professional interventions after your biomechanical assessment:
- Orthotics: We provide custom-made shoe inserts that can help distribute pressure evenly across your foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
- Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to reduce pain levels and accelerate healing times.
- Laser Therapy: Stimulates the body's natural healing process. The laser's energy penetrates deep into the tissue, promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair. This therapy is often used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and soft tissue injuries.
- Night Splints: These devices keep your foot and calf in a stretched position overnight, helping to lengthen the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
- Steroid Injections: In select cases, we may administer steroid injections to help reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia, offering temporary relief.
- Surgery: In rare cases where other treatments prove ineffective, we can facilitate a referral for surgical consultation. The procedure typically involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone.
Every patient's condition is unique, and it's crucial to seek professional advice for diagnosis and treatment. Our podiatrists at David Brown Podiatry is ready to provide personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
If you wish to book an biomechanical assessment, simply click the button to book online, or call the clinic on 01942 557100 Hope it helps.