How is plantar fasciitis caused?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopaedic complaints. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to the front of your foot which experiences a lot of wear and tear in your daily life. Foot pain plantar fasciitis triggers a harsh stabbing pain or dull pain which usually occurs with the first steps in the morning, although it can also be caused by a long period of standing, or when you stand up from sitting.
So, what causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis tends to develop as a result of the overuse or overstretching the ligament. Too much pressure on your feet can damage or tear the ligaments, the plantar fascia then becomes inflamed, and the inflammation results in heal pain and stiffness.
You are at greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:
Are overweight or have obesity. Due to the increased pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments, particularly if you have sudden weight gain.
Are long-distance runner.
Have a job that requires you to be active and on your feet for long periods.
Have structural foot issues, for example high arches or flat feet.
Have tight Achilles’ tendons.
Wear shoes with poor arch support and soft soles.
What are the identifying symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
As mentioned before, both a stabbing pains and dull pains in your foot are symptoms of plantar fasciitis, other symptoms include:
Pain on the bottom of the heel.
Increased pain post exercise.
Pain in the arch of the foot.
A swollen heel.
Consistent pain that is present for months.
Heel pain after rest
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
Podiatrists undergo a physical exam to check for tenderness in the foot and the precise location of the pain. This is to rule out that the pain isn’t the result of a different foot problem. During the examination, they may ask you to flex your foot while they add pressure to the ligament to identify if the pain worsens as you flex. The podiatrist will also note if you have any redness or swelling.
At Sky Podiatry, we have access by referral to specialised ultrasound and MRI equipment that helps us to diagnose plantar fasciitis. We do often clinically diagnose plantar fasciitis, although there are some cases when we do use diagnostic imaging. Diagnostic imaging can also reveal important information about the structures and tissues within your foot and may be necessary to check that nothing else is causing your heel pain, for example bone fracture.
Research suggests that MRI can identify any thickening of the plantar fascia or swelling in the tissues. Ultrasounds can also be useful to see if there is any thickening, calcifications, or other issues that need to be treated.
If you are experiencing any sort of foot pain, and are seeking specialised treatment for plantar fasciitis, book a consultation at Sky Podiatry today, and one of our experienced podiatrists will be able to help treat any issues. Alternatively, call us on 1300 946 529 for more information.
Sky Podiatry
Shop 3/220-224 Westbury Rd, Prospect, TAS 7250
(03) 6732 7838
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Sky Podiatry
Target Complex, Shop 5/21 Vermont Rd, Mowbray, TAS 7248
(03) 6724 3171
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