Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, causing significant discomfort and impacting your quality of life. Left untreated, the pain and inflammation can worsen, making daily activities increasingly difficult. Effective treatment is essential not only to alleviate pain but also to prevent further complications and restore normal function. At East Gosford Podiatry, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This page will cover a range of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis, from immediate relief strategies to long-term solutions, helping you understand how to manage and overcome this common foot condition. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe pain, our experienced podiatrists are here to guide you through the best practices for recovery and prevention.

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Medical History and Physical Examination

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis primarily involves a review of your medical history and a physical examination. During the examination, your healthcare professional will assess your foot for specific areas of tenderness. The precise location of your pain can provide valuable clues about its underlying cause, helping to confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.

Imaging Tests

In most cases, imaging tests are not necessary to diagnose plantar fasciitis. However, your healthcare provider may recommend an X-ray or MRI to rule out other potential issues, such as a stress fracture, that could be causing your pain. Occasionally, an X-ray may reveal a bone spur—a protrusion of bone from the heel. Although these bone spurs were once thought to be the primary cause of heel pain and were often surgically removed, it is now understood that many people with bone spurs do not experience heel pain. Therefore, the presence of a bone spur alone is not indicative of plantar fasciitis.

Additional Diagnostic Considerations

In some cases, your healthcare provider might also evaluate your gait, foot mechanics, and overall lower limb alignment to identify contributing factors to your condition. These assessments can help in creating a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

EAST GOSFORD PODIATRY PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATMENT

Here at East Gosford Podiatry on the Central Coast, we have a team of highly skilled podiatrists with vast knowledge on treatment options that can help diagnose and treat Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a very common condition that can cause the individual quite a lot of pain, so implementing preventative measures or effective treatments can help ease the pain and increase the quality of life. East Gosford Podiatry is very active in the Central Coast Community and surrounding suburbs including Wyoming, Gosford, Terrigal, Green point and Erina.  We are passionate about providing comprehensive podiatry care and individually assessing and tailoring treatments to have all our patient’s pain-free and functioning.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Immediate Treatment Options for Quick Relief

For those experiencing the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, immediate treatment options can provide quick relief and prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some effective initial treatments:

• Gentle Stretching: Regular stretching exercises can help alleviate tension in the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
• Taping: Applying athletic tape to the foot can support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Arch Support and Heel Lifts: Using supportive shoes or inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
• Weight Loss: Reducing body weight can decrease the stress placed on the plantar fascia.
• Physiotherapy: Physical therapy can help improve foot mechanics and reduce pain through targeted exercises and treatments.

Long-term Treatment Options

For lasting relief and to prevent recurrence, long-term treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs by a podiatrist. Here are some of the options:

• Orthoses:
  • Off-the-shelf orthotics: These ready-made inserts can provide immediate arch support.
  • Custom orthoses: Custom-fitted orthotics offer personalised support, improving foot alignment and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
• Exercises: Specific exercises designed to stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen the surrounding muscles can be highly effective.
• Strapping: Professional strapping techniques can offer immediate relief and support.
• Support Socks and Compression Garments: These can enhance circulation and provide additional support to the foot.

Treatment Overview

Most individuals with plantar fasciitis recover within several months using conservative treatment methods. Key strategies include icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or avoiding activities that trigger pain.

Medicines

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.

Therapies

Physical therapy and specialised devices can significantly alleviate symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can demonstrate exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, strengthen lower leg muscles, and apply athletic taping to support the foot.
• Night Splints: Wearing a splint overnight can keep the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position, promoting stretching while you sleep.
• Orthotics: Prescribed off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) can distribute foot pressure more evenly.
• Walking Boot, Canes, or Crutches: These aids may be recommended to limit foot movement or reduce weight-bearing on the foot temporarily.

Medical Interventions for Plantar Fasciitis

More Severe Treatment Options

In cases where conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief after several months, more severe treatment options may be necessary. It is crucial to consult with a podiatrist to determine the severity of your condition and the most appropriate course of action. Here are some advanced medical interventions:

Medication and Injection Therapy

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation, but sometimes stronger prescription medications may be necessary.
• Injections: Steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation in the affected area. However, multiple steroid shots are not recommended as they can weaken the plantar fascia and potentially cause it to rupture. Alternatively, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, derived from your own blood, can promote tissue healing. Using ultrasound imaging during injections ensures precise needle placement.

Advanced Therapies

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: This therapy involves directing sound waves at the area of heel pain to stimulate healing. It is typically used for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments. Some studies show promising results, although its effectiveness can vary.
• Ultrasonic Tissue Repair: This minimally invasive procedure uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needlelike probe into the damaged tissue of the plantar fascia. The probe tip vibrates rapidly to break up the damaged tissue, which is then suctioned out.

Surgical Interventions

• Surgery: Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered when the pain is severe, and all other treatments have failed. The procedure involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone. It can be performed as an open surgery or through a small incision under local anaesthesia.

When to See a Podiatrist

Indicators for Seeking Professional Help

It’s important to consult a podiatrist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent heel pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks of home treatment.
• Pain that is severe enough to limit your daily activities.
• Pain that worsens over time or spreads to other parts of your foot.
• Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods due to foot pain.
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or swelling in the heel area.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Seeking early intervention from a podiatrist offers several benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause of your heel pain and determine whether it is due to plantar fasciitis or another condition.
• Tailored Treatment Plan: Early consultation allows for the development of a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and lifestyle.
• Preventing Complications: Timely treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of developing chronic heel pain or other complications.
• Faster Recovery: Early intervention often leads to quicker relief from pain and a faster return to normal activities.
• Comprehensive Care: A podiatrist can provide a holistic approach to foot health, offering advice on footwear, exercise, and other preventive measures to avoid future problems.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To make the most of your appointment, it’s helpful to be well-prepared. Here are some steps you can take:

• Make a List of Your Symptoms: Include details about when they started and how they have progressed.
• Gather Key Personal Information: This should include your medical history, your family’s medical history, and any activities you engage in that might contribute to your symptoms.
• List All Medications and Supplements: Include the names, doses, and frequency of any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
• Prepare Questions for Your Healthcare Team: Think about what you want to know and what concerns you may have. This can help ensure all your questions are answered during your appointment.

Questions to Ask our Podiatrists

For plantar fasciitis, consider asking the following questions:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• What tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?
• Is my condition likely to be temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action for my condition?
• Are there other treatment options available?
• What lifestyle or activity restrictions should I follow?
• Are there brochures or other printed materials I can take home? What websites do you recommend for more information?

Being prepared with this information and these questions can help you have a more productive and informative appointment, ensuring you get the most out of your appointment with East Gosford Podiatry.

Comprehensive Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

We have covered a wide range of treatment options for plantar fasciitis, from immediate relief strategies and long-term treatments to advanced medical interventions. Our approach ensures that every patient receives the care they need to manage their condition effectively and prevent future complications.

Book an Appointment Today

If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, don’t wait any longer. Book an appointment with East Gosford Podiatry today for personalised, expert care. Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you get back on your feet and enjoy a pain-free life.