Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar heel pain (PHP), can be a real burden, affecting 4 to 7 per cent of people in the community. It is especially common among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those who live a more sedentary lifestyle. This condition often leaves people feeling isolated due to the pain it causes when walking or standing. You are not alone in dealing with this, and there is plenty that can be done to ease your symptoms and get you moving more freely.

​

If you have experienced sharp pain in your heel, especially with that first step in the morning or after periods of rest, you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This pain is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. While the condition can be frustrating and slow to improve, it is treatable with the right approach.

​

Why Does It Happen?

Plantar fasciitis is often linked to activities that put strain on the feet, such as long periods of standing, running, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Other risk factors include being overweight or having tight calf muscles. If you have noticed your symptoms worsening after being on your feet all day, or if the pain is most intense when you first stand up after sitting or sleeping, you are not alone—these are classic signs of plantar fasciitis.

​

How We Can Help

At Optimum Chiropractic, we take a personalised approach to managing plantar fasciitis. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, research suggests a combination of treatments can offer the best chance for recovery. We will work with you to develop a tailored plan, which may include:

​

• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisations can help reduce pain and improve function.
• Taping: Taping your foot can help support the plantar fascia and reduce stress on the tissue, easing discomfort.
• Exercise Prescription: Strengthening and stretching exercises for the foot and calf muscles can help alleviate pain and prevent future flare-ups.
• Orthotics and Footwear Advice: Proper footwear is essential, and in some cases, custom orthotics can make a significant difference.
• Shockwave Therapy: In cases where other treatments have not provided relief, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can be an effective option for stimulating healing in the affected tissue. This is something we can refer you for through our connections with other healthcare professionals.

​

The Role of Your Nervous System

It is important to note that plantar fasciitis is not just about the physical damage to the tissue. The nervous system also plays a role in how pain is experienced. Sometimes, the body can become overly sensitive, amplifying discomfort. At Optimum Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to address both the physical and sensory components of your pain, helping to calm an overly sensitive nervous system and aid recovery.

​

Managing Plantar Fasciitis: The Road to Recovery

The good news is that with the right treatment plan, most cases of plantar fasciitis improve within a few months. Early intervention is key to preventing the condition from becoming a long-term issue. We are here to support you every step of the way, from reducing the pain to ensuring you regain full function, so you can get back to living your life without the constant discomfort in your feet.

​

If plantar fasciitis is slowing you down, do not wait for the pain to go away on its own. Contact us to book an appointment and find out how we can help you start moving better today.