Podiatric Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis
Posted on: 19 July 2023
The plantar fascia is the long band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot from your heel to your toe. It helps your foot to move flexibly and acts as a shock absorber each time you take a step. Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed as a result of the tissue being damaged. This can be caused as a result of having a poor running technique, regularly being on your feet all day, having a tight Achilles tendon or wearing shoes that don't provide enough support to the arches of your feet. Anything that puts excess strain on the plantar fascia increases the risk of you developing plantar fasciitis. This condition can be treated by a podiatrist, but as with many health problems, the sooner you seek treatment the easier it may be to get you back to full health.
Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, and this pain tends to ease off when you rest your foot and flare up when you're on your feet. The pain may radiate out from your heel and across the sole of your foot, and you may also notice some localised inflammation. Inflammation tends to limit the range of movement in your foot and can leave your muscles feeling tight.
Diagnosing And Treating Plantar Fasciitis
When you visit a podiatrist with suspected plantar fasciitis, they will take details of your symptoms and carry out a foot assessment. This will allow them to determine how your range of motion has been affected and how severe your pain is. In some cases, they may refer you for an ultrasound to establish how swollen the plantar fascia is.
Once a podiatrist has made their diagnosis they will recommend a treatment plan based on how severe your symptoms are. Treatment may involve learning how to do a series of targeted exercises designed to loosen the muscles in your feet and strengthen your feet to reduce the risk of damage to your plantar fascia in the future. Specially-made orthotic insoles may be recommended to provide support to your feet and encourage the swelling to come down. They slip into your shoes and alter the distribution of weight across your feet to prevent excess strain on any one area. When inflammation is severe, your podiatrist may recommend a course of corticosteroid injections. These injections can bring swelling down rapidly, which can kick-start healing and lessen the time it takes to recover.
If you're experiencing symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis, schedule a foot assessment with a local podiatrist.
For more information, contact a local company like Sydney City Podiatry.
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