Foot pain can be incredibly disruptive, affecting your daily activities and overall quality of life. One of the most common foot complaints is plantar fasciitis, a condition that can cause significant discomfort in the heel and arch of the foot. At M Maddocks Inc, we frequently treat this condition, helping our clients reduce pain, optimise movement, and get back to doing what they love.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to pain in the heel and arch of the foot, often caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia—a long ligament along the bottom of the foot. This ligament extends from the heel bone and fans out to attach to underneath the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overused, it can develop microscopic tears, leading to pain and discomfort.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:
- Over-pronation: Excessive inward rolling of the foot when walking, flattening the foot and lengthening the arch.
- Foot arch abnormalities: Both high and low foot arches can put additional strain on the plantar fascia.
- New or intense physical activity: Starting a new exercise regimen or increasing the intensity of your workouts can strain the plantar fascia.
- Tight Achilles tendon: This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and, if tight, can affect the plantar fascia.
- Improper footwear: Shoes with soles that are too soft, too thin, too hard or ill-fitting can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
- Weight gain: Sudden weight gain or obesity increases the stretch of this ligament beyond its normal capacity.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: is also a risk factor for plantar fascia symptoms
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain and stiffness in the heel and foot. This pain often becomes more intense:
- In the morning when you first step out of bed
- When walking after sitting or standing for a prolonged period
- While climbing stairs
- After exercise
- During high-impact, weight-bearing activities
- Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
At M Maddocks Inc, we begin with a thorough physical examination of your lower limbs and feet. We conduct a biomechanical examination, which includes static and dynamic video and pressure plate gait analysis to understand how you stand and move. This comprehensive approach helps us identify the underlying causes of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
At M Maddocks Inc
- Footwear Education and Prescription: Making sure you are in shoes that at working for you and that are appropriate for your activities and lifestyle.
- Custom Foot Orthotics: Address the biomechanical reasons behind the overstretching of the plantar fascia by changing the timing of movement and modifying load acting on the feet.
- Strengthening and Stretching Exercises: Targeted exercises can help strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons in your foot.
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can alleviate pain and swelling.
Other Treatment Options that we may refer for
- Physiotherapy: For more advanced pain reduction and strengthening.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): This therapy uses high-energy shockwave impulses to stimulate the healing of the damaged plantar fascia tissue.
- Injections: Different substances may be administered into the plantar fascia to reduce pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and care, you can overcome the pain and return to your daily activities. At M Maddocks Inc, we are committed to providing evidence-based, high-quality podiatric care to help you achieve optimal foot health.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain, don’t wait. Contact M Maddocks Inc today to schedule an appointment for a consultation and personalised treatment plan. You can reach us at Medical Suites, UMED, 134 Grayston Dr, Sandown, Sandton, 2196 or call or WhatsApp us on 072 046 5001. Let us help you get back on your feet and back to doing what you love!
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