Before we delve into the details of what plantar fasciitis is and the frequently asked questions about how to treat it, let’s get the difficult part out of the way - its pronunciation!
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fash-ee-eye-tis), is a difficult term to pronounce and can be an equally difficult condition to live with.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain in the bottom of the foot, and it’s estimated that one in ten people will suffer from it in their lifetime.
In this article, we’ll explore what plantar fasciitis is, who is most at risk from the condition, and what you can do to treat it effectively - including looking at some innovative treatments like shockwave therapy.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that attaches your heel bone to your toes, becomes tight and inflamed.
This inflammation can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- A sharp pain in the heel, which is most noticeable in the morning or after periods of being inactive.
- Tenderness of the heel, which may feel sore or sensitive to the touch.
- Pain when flexing the toes upwards towards your shin.
- A tingling or burning sensation in the affected foot
The pain from plantar fasciitis can sometimes be severe enough to cause you to limp as you subconsciously avoid putting weight on your heel.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treating plantar fasciitis early can help prevent the condition from worsening and get you back on your feet more quickly.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide every year.
While it’s possible for anyone to develop this painful condition, there are certain factors and behaviours that can increase the risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Being overweight or obese
Carrying excess body weight can put additional strain on the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot.
Over time, this increased pressure can lead to inflammation and pain, making overweight and obese individuals more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis.
Frequent running
Running is one of the most effective cardiovascular activities you can engage in to improve your overall health. But it’s not without its downsides.
Runners are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive impact on the heel during running. This repeated stress of heels striking the pavement can cause strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Having high foot arch
If you have a naturally high foot arch, you may find yourself more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
People with a high foot arch commonly suffer from increased stress and tension in the plantar fascia, as the higher arch puts more strain on the tissue, making it more likely to become inflamed and painful.
Standing for long periods
If you need to stand for prolonged periods of time for work, this may also increase your likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis - especially if you’re standing on hard surfaces.
Standing for extended periods of time without rest can cause continuous pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Doing high-impact exercises
If you’re a fan of high-impact exercises like tennis, basketball, or even plyometrics, these activities can place additional stress on the plantar fascia and increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Using unsupportive footwear
Wearing shoes that don’t have proper arch support or cushioning can also increase your likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis.
Without the right support from your footwear, the plantar fascia is forced to work harder to maintain stability, leading to increased strain and potential inflammation.
What are the most effective treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
The treatment options for plantar fasciitis are varied and will depend on your individual condition.
If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it's important to get a full assessment and diagnosis from your GP or physiotherapist, who can determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Common treatment options that may be considered include
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is commonly suggested as the initial course of treatment for many people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
If physiotherapy forms part of your treatment plan, you can typically expect to engage in plantar fasciitis stretches designed to strengthen the ligament, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Your physiotherapist may also use manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilisation, to help reduce the severity of your symptoms and promote healing.
Orthotics
If the underlying reason behind your plantar fasciitis is a high foot arch, your GP or physiotherapist might recommend custom orthotics.
Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that can help provide support for the plantar fascia and cushion the heel, alleviating pain and preventing further damage.
Injections
If non-invasive plantar fasciitis treatments like physiotherapy and orthotics haven't been effective, your GP or physiotherapist might recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
While steroid injections can be helpful in the short term, they are not a long-term solution and will typically be combined with other treatment methods.
Surgery
In rare cases where other plantar fasciitis treatments have been unsuccessful, surgery might be considered as a last resort.
Plantar fascia release surgery involves making a small incision in the plantar fascia to relieve tension and reduce inflammation.
Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is a newer form of treatment that uses ultrasound to help promote healing of the plantar fascia.
If approaches like physiotherapy and orthotics haven’t been successful in treating your condition, shockwave therapy might be suggested as an option before you’re considered for surgery.
The increasing popularity of shockwave therapy as a treatment
Shockwave therapy, technically known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is rapidly gaining in popularity as an effective way of treating plantar fasciitis.
It works by delivering controlled, focused energy pulses (similar to ultrasound waves) to the plantar fascia and the surrounding areas of the foot.
The shockwaves create what is known as ‘microtraumas’ in the plantar fascia - creating tiny microscopic tears in the tissue. This might sound negative and a bit counterintuitive, but the body perceives these tiny controlled tears as injuries and initiates a healing response.
The shockwave therapy process also promotes blood flow to the plantar fascia, which brings nutrients and oxygen that are necessary for effective tissue repair.
Another benefit of shockwave therapy is its ability to overstimulate nerves in your foot, which again can sound a bit negative but can work to reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis.
At CK Physiotherapy, we often recommend shockwave therapy as a part of a holistic plantar fasciitis treatment plan. It can be particularly beneficial when traditional approaches like physiotherapy and orthotics haven't provided sufficient relief.
CK Physiotherapy: Specialists in helping patients recover from plantar fasciitis
If you're suffering from persistent heel pain that's worse in the mornings or after resting, don't ignore it. Book an appointment with your GP or physiotherapist for an assessment and diagnosis.
If you do have plantar fasciitis, your symptoms can worsen over time if you’re not diagnosed and treated effectively.
At CK Physiotherapy, our team of chartered, licensed physiotherapists have extensive experience in treating plantar fasciitis and other common injuries
If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis after a thorough initial assessment, we'll create a personalised treatment plan designed to address your specific needs.
If you're ready to take the first step toward recovery, book an online consultation with our team today.
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