What is Plantar Fasciitis ?

The plantar fascia is the name of the ligament under the arch of the foot. It is made of connective tissue and inserts onto the heel and then fans out to the ball of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed it is called Plantar Fasciitis and is one of the most common conditions that our podiatrists see.

Plantar Fasciitis (sometimes referred to as "Heel Spur") is probably the most common causes of heel pain in adults. It is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia. It can be acute or chronic and causes pain in one or both heels often radiating up under the arch of the foot. The weakest point of the plantar fascia (ligament under the foot) is where it joins onto the heel, this is why the pain usually starts in the heel first. There may or may not be a spur present on the heel. The spur usually develops if the heel pain has been there for a long time.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis ?

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• • Heel pain in the morning when you first get out of bed (or when you get up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night!)
  • Heel pain after rest (when you get up out of the chair)

What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis ?

At Irymple Foot Clinic we suggest the most simple, least expensive methods to help give you relief and keeps you on your feet. Some of the treatments that may be suggested to you are:

• • Icing / Heat Packs
  • Strapping
  • Calf Stretching / Exercises  -  click here for our calf stretching brochure
  • Footwear advice  -  click here for our footwear advice brochure
  • Specially Modified Insoles for your shoes
  • Orthoses (orthotics), if you have underlying biomechanical problems that need treatment

Your heel pain may be caused by something else so if you are not getting any better please book in to see in person at Irymple Foot Clinic!

To make an appointment with one of our fully qualified, registered and experienced Podiatrists call us on 50246333 or Email us today.