Conditions we Treat
Plantar Fasciitis
Introduction.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can make your first steps in the morning or walking after periods of rest particularly uncomfortable. Although symptoms can be frustrating and may take time to settle, many people improve with appropriate management. A thorough assessment is the best way to identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and guide your recovery.
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition affecting the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes and helps support the arch of your foot. Repeated loading can reduce the tissue’s ability to cope with demand, leading to pain, particularly where it attaches to the heel. Despite the name, ongoing symptoms are not usually driven by inflammation alone.
Symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain under or around the heel, especially during the first few steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long time. Symptoms often ease with gentle movement before returning after prolonged standing or activity. Seek prompt medical assessment if heel pain follows significant trauma, you cannot bear weight, or you develop severe swelling, redness, fever or numbness.
Causes.
Plantar fasciitis rarely develops because of one single factor. Running, prolonged standing, sudden increases in activity, changes in training load, reduced calf flexibility, higher body weight and previous foot problems may all contribute. Foot shape alone is not usually the cause, and symptoms are often influenced by how much load the tissues are exposed to over time.
How we can help…
Following a detailed assessment, we will explain the factors that may be contributing to your heel pain and discuss the management options most appropriate for you. Depending on your presentation, this may include chiropractic treatment where clinically appropriate, manual therapy, rehabilitation, education and advice. Recommendations are always based on your assessment findings, goals and personal preferences.
Rehabilitation and self-management.
Recovery from plantar fasciitis often involves modifying activities that aggravate symptoms while gradually improving the strength and capacity of the foot and lower leg. Maintaining appropriate activity, sensible load management and a gradual return to exercise are often important parts of rehabilitation. Your advice will always be tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.
What to expect at your assessment.
Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and goals before a thorough examination of your foot and ankle. We assess movement, strength, walking pattern and any contributing factors before explaining our findings clearly. If imaging or referral is clinically appropriate, we will discuss this with you.
What happens next.
Following your assessment, we will explain the likely diagnosis, discuss your prognosis and outline the management options available. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised management plan based on your goals and monitor your progress over time. Recovery varies between individuals and depends on factors such as symptom duration, activity levels and tissue loading.