Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition occurring  in 8% of runners and 3.6 % of Australia's population. Most frequently occurring in people between the ages of 40 and 60.

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Plantar Fasciitis is believed to be caused by degeneration of the  plantar fascia where it inserts into the heel bone. Often there is a bony spur.  It presents as pain located in the bottom of the heel. It is made worse by standing, walking and running and often most painful after rest. It is often painful to direct pressure.

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Diagnosis can be made via ultrasound of the plantar fascia and looking for thickening.

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​Other conditions that can cause similar heel pain include bruising of the fatty pad, heel spurs, stress fractures and plantar fascial tears ( Drake, 2022).

 

It is believed tension through the fascia and high impact load over the fascia may be the cause.​ 

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Assessment involves:

1. Asking about a history of training overload.

2. Looking for tight muscles- hamstrings and calf muscles.

3. Looking for causes of reduced ankle joint dorsiflexion.

5. Assessing for  1st metatarsophalangeal joint motion.

6. Looking at foot biomechanics particularly how we can reduce impact forces to the heel.

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Initial Treatment:

1. Addressing tight muscles and tendons.

2. Providing specific foot wear advice.

3. Taping the foot.

4. Foot strengthening advice.

5. Anterior night splints.

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Other treatments include:

6. Foot orthotics.

7. Rocker soled shoes.

8. Dry needling.

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Treatment of problems longer than 6 months.

9.Shock wave therapy.

10. Platelet Rich Plasma Injections.

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Individual advice always offers the fastest way to recovery.

Make an appointment today.

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