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PLANTAR FASCIOPATHY | WA HEALTH GROUP

Plantar fascia is a thick and long fibrous band of tissue running from your heel to your toes. Its main function is to support the arch of your foot.

 

When the plantar fascia is put under excessive loads / under excessive tension, you could develop micro tears in the fascia, resulting in this injury. This is one of the most commonly seen foot conditions Podiatrists treat.

 

Signs and symptoms:

  • Pain along inside of the heel (medial calc), mid area of heel or even in the mid arch region of the foot

  • Pain is often described as: sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache

 

Symptoms experienced includes:

  • Pain upon first step in the morning

  • Pain after prolonged period of rest

  • Symptoms usually eased off with activity

  • Symptoms getting worse at the end of a busy day

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Causes:

  • Flat Foot Type / High Arched Foot Type

  • Poor foot & lower limb mechanics

  • Poor footwear

  • High BMI / Overweight

  • Occurs in young active population as well as amongst the older sedentary population

  • A sudden period of overloading the fascia is commonly linked to this condition

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Treatment options:

Non-surgical treatment:

  • Biomechanical assessment to identify and address any risk factors

  • Activity modification

  • Strengthening exercises of the foot muscle

  • Orthotic therapy to correct any biomechanical issues with proper footwear modification

  • Tapping / strapping

  • Pain management via oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / analgesics

  • Self massage

  • Specific and regular stretching

  • Adjunct therapy:

    • Low level laser therapy

    • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

  • Dry needling

  • Injection therapy

  • Surgery

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To get the help you need, book a Podiatry Consultation with one of our team today. We're here to help.

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