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Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
The very mention of this ailment will have the majority of our runners
cringing and reaching for the ice pack.
But it is also a condition which is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and therefore mistreated, which always leads to frustration. BUT rest assured with a proper diagnosis and injury management your foot pain can be just another story you recall on those long trail runs!
Manage Your Plantar Fasciitis with Equilibrium
Plantar Fasciitis is the pulling and micro-tearing of the ligament-like structure under the foot called the plantar fascia. This ligament is there to support and maintain the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the base of the toes. Pain results, most commonly near the heel, when this ligament is strained.
The causes of Plantar Fasciitis will vary from patient to patient. Some factors to consider are: age, gender weight, time spent on your feet be it work hours or training hours, the surface (ie concrete) starting a new activity, increasing your current activity, foot biomechanics (excessive pronation – rolling inwards), poor shoe support or old shoes and tight muscles are all some of the causes.
Ordinarily, our plantar fascia is able to support us in our daily life. But if we are subjective to the stress and strain of some of the causes listed above, the ligament takes on excessive load and can lead to tearing at its insertion (near the heel ) or along the arch resulting in acute pain. Bone spurs or heel spurs are often talked about in conjunction with Plantar Fasciitis. The numbers show that about 50% of suffers will have a spur. Spurs are the bodies way of trying to repair itself and are rarely associated with pain.
- Morning Stiffness or pain
- Burning or aching pain at the end of the day.
- Pain in the first few steps after prolonged periods of sitting.
- Pain with exercise or activity.
Because the Plantar Fascia is located at the bottom of our foot, it is extremely hard to rest and allow the healing process to begin. It is this reason we often see patients suffering from this condition for longer than necessary. With early intervention, correct management, and advice healing time can be significantly improved.
How Osteopathy can help with Plantar Fasciitis?
Looking for relief from Plantar Fasciitis?
We may have the solution for you. Our skilled practitioners can help you find relief and get you back to your everyday life.
Osteopathy
Dry Needling
Shockwave Therapy
Injury Rehabilitation
Movement Screen Analysis
How Do We Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
As with any musculoskeletal condition, treatment will vary from patient to patient. The key factor is to ensure your treatment is specific to you. And is also focused on both relieving your symptoms and ensuring long term solutions. Aspect to Consider:
In most cases we see tightening of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles – your calf – so this needs to be addressed. An assessment of the strength of this and other muscles of the lower limb should also be made. Weakness may lead to a bio-mechanical dysfunction and irritation. There are also the small muscles of the foot and ankle to consider, not to mention the large muscles of the hip and upper limb. Yes we do look that far away from your foot to ensure we are not missing any aspect which may contribute to the cause of your plantar fasciitis pain.
There is plenty of research highlighting the benefit of Shockwave Therapy for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. A far better option, than stretching.
You may be required to rest for a short period of time, to allow the inflammation to settle. Ice may be beneficial here.
Your foot-ware is an important factor. How worn your shoes may be as well as the type of shoe you are wearing, all contribute to your overall biomechanics and potential to cause problems. Avoid old or worn-out shoes, or walking on hard surfaces without shoes.
Developing strength in the supportive muscles around the ankle and foot is imperative for long term results. Identity of your weakness have been identified and the cause of your Plantar Fasciitis identified, a specific program can be tailored to your needs. This will reduce the likelihood of further damage and hopefully prevent the condition from re-occurring.
So, as you can see there are multiple areas to consider when treating Plantar Fasciitis – BUT the main thing to remember is that it is a very treatable condition. With early intervention and management, you should see minimal time off your feet and more time on them running the trails you love to run.
Stay healthy, train hard, and enjoy your running.
What can you do about plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common problem. But you don’t have to live with it! With the right solutions, you can get relief and do things that make you happy again.
Check out the vides below!
Playlist
Let the Equilibrium Sports and Spinal Clinic team guide you back to doing the things you love!
The Osteopath’s at Equilibrium Sports and Spinal Clinic in Glen Iris are highly trained to identify the leading cause of your plantar fasciitis and implement a specific and effective treatment programme to get you back on your feet quicker. Simply call (03) 9822 1900 or book an appointment below.
At Equilibrium Sports and Spinal Clinic:
- We get you back doing the things you love, FASTER! That’s what our treatments are designed to do.
- Our goal is to reduce pain and restore normal function with a dynamic, functional, and science-based approach.
- We combine the latest techniques with proven practices and a wealth of experience.
We don’t believe in providing you with a “recipe” for your injury management. You are unique, just like your injury and therefore require techniques and a management plan that is specific to you.
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Running Myths
5 Myths Around Running You Should Not Believe! Myth 1: Stretch Before You Run Stretching
Don’t Put Up With Your Pain Longer Than You Need To
Reach out today, and let the Osteopaths at Equilibrium Sports and Spinal Clinic help you!
