Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. As seen in the picture on the right the plantar fascia is a a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When the plantar fascia is stretched it can cause the fascia to tear away from the calcaneal attachment (heel bone) . Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common foot complaint which can linger for months.

Excessive pronation (rolling in, or arch collapse), or a high strike angle supinated foot structure , can elongate the plantar fascia, causing it to tear at the attachment on the heel bone.  Sometimes poorly fitting footwear or a sudden increase in weight bearing activities can also cause plantar fasciitis.

• A dull to sharp pain  in the heel when getting out f bed in the morning, or when standing after a prolonged period of sitting.
• The pain usually subsides within a few minutes of walking around.
• Pain can be intermittent or constant, and may occur on the inside or outside of the heel.

• Realigning the  biomechanical structure  with the use of Orthotics
• Stretching and strengthening of the calf muscles
• Low dye taping
• Acupuncture and mobilisation
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Changing of footwear

The aim of Orthotics (shoe inserts)in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis is to decrease the pain you experience by maintaining a neutral foot and ankle position and prevent or postpone progression of deformity (flat foot). Orthotics are often worn to treat heel pain like plantar fasciitis but form only part of the treatment. It is also important to stretch the calf muscles, and it may be beneficial to change your footwear. We are able to assess the causes of your heel pain and develop a treatment plan which is suitable for you.

We can assess your foot and lower limb function during a biomechanical assessment to see if orthotics may provide effective treatment for your foot pain.