Relief from Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Treatment for plantar fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Usually caused by prolonged stress or over-stretching of the feet, patients may feel an achy pain in the heel, arch or along the sole. Inflammation can make walking — and even standing — painful, significantly impacting daily life.
Don't ignore symptoms. If foot pain lasts for more than a week, visit a plantar fasciitis specialist in NZ.
When to seek plantar fasciitis treatment
Without treatment, plantar fasciitis pain can quickly worsen, since the foot never really gets a chance to rest. Regular walking, inconsistent stretching, returning to exercise or delaying treatment can all lead to more persistent and lasting issues.
Visit a plantar fasciitis podiatrist if you're experiencing any of the following:
- Swelling
- Pain on standing first thing in the morning
- Pain on standing after rest
- Either constant or intermittent pain
- Pain ranging from a mild discomfort to an intense stabbing
- Stiffness
- Swelling around the heel
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis describes the irritation or degeneration of a thick ligament that attaches from the bottom of your heel and spans out like a fan to your toe.
It can be caused by:
- A sudden increase in physical activity or the intensity of the activity
- Activities that strain the arch, such as climbing stairs
- Wearing shoes that don't support the arch and fascia
- Your foot type or foot biomechanics. Those with flat feet tend to put a greater load or force through the fascia
- Trauma to the intersection of the fascia at the heel, such as jumping down from a high surface
- Incorrect training technique
- Increased weight
Plantar fasciitis treatment at our Auckland clinic
As an ACC Registered Provider in Grey Lynn, Auckland, we provide specialist treatments based on the severity of your symptoms. While there's no overnight cure for plantar fasciitis, most cases are resolved in 3-6 months, with consistent treatments.
During your examination, your podiatrist will assess ankle mobility, tenderness of the sole, arch height, and pain when flexing the foot.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include:
- Orthotics – Custom orthotics support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, to promote healing and correct faulty biomechanics, preventing the issue from reappearing.
- Cold Laser - Treatment with Erchonia FX635 for Pain Management and Inflammation
- Stretching – Once pain and inflammation settle, your podiatrist will demonstrate stretching exercises to reduce and prevent the onset of symptoms, focusing on the feet and related muscle groups.
- Footwear – Your footwear will be assessed to make sure it's helping, and not hindering, your recovery.
- Strengthening – Exercises that strengthen the muscles of the feet and legs to improve overall function are prescribed after our specialist podiatrist reviews your assessment results.
- Strapping – Strapping can reduce painful symptoms by positioning your foot to relieve strain and pressure from the plantar fascia.
- PRICE – Protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation may be initially recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
- Night splints — Gently stretching the plantar fascia while you sleep, night splints can help reduce the sharp morning pain commonly experienced.
Book an appointment at Clear Step Podiatry
At Clear Step Podiatry, our team has over ten years of experience treating patients in Grey Lynn and across Auckland. Our specialist plantar fasciitis podiatrists focus on finding and treating the underlying problem, with practical advice that fits into your lifestyle.
We're an ACC Registered Provider offering support for eligible claims, and same-day appointments where necessary. For more information about plantar fasciitis or related issues, such as Achilles tendinopathy, call (09) 801 2211.
From heel pain to specialist laser and microwave treatments, Clear Step Podiatry is Auckland's specialist destination clinic for healthier, happier feet.
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