The most common features of plantar fasciitis are:

  • Heel pain with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time
  • Heel pain that develops gradually over time, or suddenly without warning
  • Sharp, stabbing or burning pain in the base of the heel
  • Pain that is worse when barefoot or in flat shoes

Plantar fasciitis can flare up following an acute injury i.e. soft sand running, or can develop over time with overuse or a change in load. If there is an acute incident, a plantar fascial tear may need to be ruled out by imaging. 

What risk factors increase the chances of developing plantar fasciitis?

  • A change in load of the amount you are exercising
  • Spending more time barefoot or a change in footwear 
  • Reduced mobility and strength in the foot and ankle 
  • Prolonged standing or walking particularly on hard surfaces 
  • Being overweight
  • During and post pregnancy 

Treatment options

  • Footwear advice and custom foot orthotic assessment 
  • Ankle + foot mobilisation techniques
  • Active Release Technique 
  • Dry Needling 
  • Strapping
  • Exercise modification – depending on the nature of the injury 

Plantar fasciitis exercises

Improving the strength and tolerance of the tissue is one of the most important things to improve plantar fasciitis. We will closely review your exercises and continue to progress them to get you back to normal in the shortest time possible, as well as reducing the likelihood of recurrences. Some exercises include:

  1. Isometric fascial calf raise

  2. Dowel massage

  3. Trigger ball release

  4. Intrinsic muscle strength - toe extensions

  5. Intrinsic muscle strength - hip hinge

No two cases are the same and therefore the treatment of plantar fasciitis, as well as the timeframes, vary from person to person. Overall, with treatment you should expect that your pain will become far more tolerable, and exercise tolerance will be greater. This should continue to improve with time and program adherence.  

For a more tailored approach, specific to you, your sport and your goals, contact PEAK to book in with one of our Coaches!


Chelsea Enright

Podiatrist 

PEAK

Hawthorne

Address
5/171 Riding Road,
Hawthorne, QLD, 4171
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Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.

New Farm

Address
1/15 Lamington Street,
New Farm, QLD, 4005
Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.