PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATMENT

What is Plantar Fasciitis and what treatment options are available? Contact the team at City Foot Health today for advice and support.

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Commonly known as ‘Policeman’s Heel’, Plantar Fasciitis is pain at the bottom of your foot — typically around your heel and arch. It is caused by straining the plantar fascia, which connects your heel bone and toes. This can happen in lots of ways, so it may not be clear how you strained it.

Still, it may be worth noting that Plantar Fasciitis is more common amongst those who are aged 40-60 and are overweight. Those who exercise with a tight calf or heel, have recently started doing lots more exercise than usual (especially if it is on hard surfaces), and wear shoes with poor support may also be at higher risk.

Plantar Fasciitis can occur at any time and the discomfort can prevent you from taking part in your usual activities so it’s best to seek advice from a professional podiatrist as soon as possible.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

While many people experience minor foot pain from time to time, a few symptoms could point to Plantar Fascitis:

It’s hard for you to lift your toes up
The pain is worse when you start walking after a period of rest
The pain is alleviated by exercise but comes back after resting

Plantar Fascitiis often feels like a stabbing pain in your foot during your first steps in the morning, which slowly fades as you move around.

You can get Plantar Fasciitis relief at home by trying some helpful tips. However, you might want to see a podiatrist if:

The pain doesn’t improve in two weeks
The pain is severe or gets worse over time
You lose feeling in your foot
There is a tingling sensation in your foot
You also have diabetes.

For more information about Plantar Fasciitis treatment in London, please consult our podiatrists at City Foot Health. We’ll help you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Plantar Fasciitis treatments are available?

When you first notice your foot pain, you can try a few home treatments and lifestyle changes. Firstly, avoid activities that put lots of pressure on your feet — opt for gentle exercise, like swimming, instead. When in pain, try resting your elevated food on a stool or use an ice pack for up to 20 minutes every few hours to alleviate discomfort.

Using insoles and wearing shoes with cushioned heels and arch support can also be helpful.

Plantar Fasciitis often disappears on its own, without help from a medical professional. However, as mentioned above, you will want to contact a podiatrist if your symptoms worsen or persist despite trying these home treatments.

After a physical examination, a podiatrist will be able to diagnose your Plantar Fasciitis and advise you on treatment options. These treatments may include:

Physical therapy – to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthen the lower leg muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis night splints or a brace can also be useful for stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
Canes, crutches, or a walking boot for a short time can keep pressure off your foot.
Orthotics can distribute the pressure on your foot more evenly.

Plantar Fasciitis surgery

Surgery isn’t the most common treatment for Plantar Fasciitis, but it can be an option to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. It is only generally recommended if all other treatment options have failed and the pain is severe.

Alternatively, steroid injections are sometimes recommended to provide temporary relief — however, getting lots of these is not advised. You can also ask your podiatrist about ultrasonic tissue repair therapy.

Get in touch with City Foot Health

At City Foot Health, our experienced team can diagnose your foot pain and design a treatment plan if you’re suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or book an appointment today for treatment in London.