Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment
We are your trusted source for expert care in managing plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot and can even make the simplest activities daunting. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed or irritated. It is very common, and our dedicated team of podiatrists are here to help you understand the causes of plantar fasciitis, including overuse, improper footwear, and biomechanical issues.
Our clinic provides personalised treatment plans designed to alleviate pain and promote healing. Our comprehensive approach includes a range of treatment options including:
- Shockwave therapy is our go-to treatment for this condition as it sees the best results in almost all patients.
- Laser therapy works well in conjunction with shockwave therapy to promote healing at a cellular level, speeding up your recovery process
- Manual therapies such as soft tissue massage or mobilisation to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Load reduction on the heel through taping or shoe modifications.
- Custom orthotic devices or guidance on improved footwear to provide cushioning and arch support to offload the heel.
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the plantar fascia.
- Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation (if required).
We focus on effective pain relief and restoring your mobility so you can get back to enjoying life.
Prevention is vital in managing plantar fasciitis, and we’re here to guide you. We emphasise the importance of proper footwear, weight management, and smart exercise routines to protect your feet from future strain.
What types of Orthotics do we provide?
Sports Orthotics
Sports orthotics are designed specifically for running, walking, or other sports. Sports orthotics are more durable with a softer, full-length top cover to provide additional comfort and cushioning and prevent blisters from occurring. These custom orthotics are suitable for shoes with a full-length removable inner sole, such as running shoes and football boots.
Slimthotics
These orthotics fit in narrow shoes that are usually lower profile. They provide the same level of correction but are worn in a wide variety of shoes. They are highly customisable and enable you to get a broader range of widths and colours to suit your shoe style.
Cycling Orthotics
Custom-designed orthotics that fit into cycling shoes whilst ensuring you maintain comfort and efficient power transfer through your pedals. These orthotics are cleverly designed from carbon fibre to provide a lightweight and durable orthotic that fixes your cycling foot pain.
FAQs
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterised by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition often leads to heel pain and discomfort, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting.
How does Expert Foot Care treat plantar fasciitis?
Treatment begins with a biomechanical assessment to identify the root cause. Plans may include custom orthotics, stretching and strengthening programs, footwear advice, sports strapping, and for chronic cases, shockwave therapy and laser therapy.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
With appropriate treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. Early intervention is key – the sooner you see a podiatrist, the faster and more complete your recovery.
Can I continue exercising with plantar fasciitis?
In most cases, you do not need to stop all activity, but your program will need to be modified. Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are generally well-tolerated. Your podiatrist will advise on load management and a safe return to full training.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone that can develop as a consequence of chronic plantar fascia strain. Both are assessed and treated at Expert Foot Care.
Will I need orthotics for plantar fasciitis?
Custom orthotics are among the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis and are often included in treatment plans at Expert Foot Care. We conduct a full biomechanical assessment before prescribing orthotics to ensure they are clinically indicated.