Westernport osteopathy
Foot Pain/ Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis or just bad foot pain?
Our feet do a lot of work for us, and bear the brunt of our weight as we run, dance, work and play. Whether you’re a full marathon fanatic or a parent whose only workout is chasing a busy toddler, foot pain and discomfort can put a quick dampener in our day-to-day activities.
Understanding the cause of your foot pain is a great start to manage symptoms and getting back to the activities you love to do.
A common and painful issue many Australians experience is plantar fasciitis. At the bottom of your feet are a thick, strong tissue called the plantar fascia. If you run your hand along the arch of your foot, that’s what you’re feeling, as it connects our heels through to our toes and creates the curve of the arch. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it is common to experience heel pain or burning, especially early in the morning upon waking. Read on to learn more about foot pain and plantar fasciitis, and how osteopathy may help with your symptoms.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be a challenging issue to find a cause for, as it manifests in a wide variety of people. As we all use our feet so often, there are many people at risk for this painful condition.
Common causes for plantar fasciitis can include
Aerobic Activity: Plantar fasciitis is often seen in individuals who participate in aerobic sports like running, dancing and tennis, but can also occur from less intense activities.
Working on your feet: Roles that require you to stand on your feet for extended periods of time may contribute to plantar fasciitis, such as bartending, trades, retail and teaching.
Heel Spurs: Plantar fasciitis can also occur as a result of a heel spur – a small growth of bone from the heel bone that pokes out from the heel and aggravates the tissue.
For some, the condition can also be as a result of other issues like fallen arches, pregnancy or tight calf muscles, which may all contribute to stress and weight in the area that may lead to Inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis can present in a wide range of ways, including
- Severe heel pain upon waking and standing, often called ‘knife-like’
- A burning sensation through the heel that does not ease
- Pain after intense activity, such as a game of tennis or a shift bartending
- Pain after prolonged bouts of standing
Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciitis on the Mornington Peninsula
Our beach-loving, activity filled lifestyle on the Mornington Peninsula can put us at risk for all sorts of sprains and strains to the foot and ankle. Even if your condition is not as severe as plantar fasciitis, foot pain can often stop us from doing the activities since we are so dependent on movement, especially when keeping healthy.
How can osteopathy assist with plantar fasciitis?
The foot is a complex mix of muscle, nerves, bones and tissue, and can impact the quality of your lifestyle, work and so much more.
Osteopathy aims to assist with foot pain and plantar fasciitis by focusing on minimising re-injury and helping to return an ease of movement back to the area that is as pain free as possible.
Osteopathy for Plantar Fasciitis on the Mornington Peninsula
Your body is unique, which is why it is essential to have your individual needs assessed correctly. If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and are seeking help with managing your symptoms, simply call us on (03) 5977 7342 or book online with one of our friendly team members.
