Plantar Fasciitis Treatment | Mona Vale Osteopath
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain underneath the heel. Symptoms are often most noticeable during the first few steps in the morning, after sitting for a long period, or following increased walking, running or standing.
At Helix Recovery, we assess the factors contributing to your heel pain and develop a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan to help you return to comfortable movement.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs from the heel toward the toes and helps support the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the tissue is repeatedly loaded beyond its current capacity. Despite the name, persistent plantar fasciitis is not always primarily inflammatory and may involve changes in the tissue’s ability to tolerate load.
Symptoms can develop gradually or follow an increase in running, walking, standing or other weight-bearing activity.
Common Symptoms
Pain underneath or slightly toward the inside of the heel
Sharp pain during the first few steps in the morning
Pain after sitting or resting
Discomfort with prolonged standing or walking
Pain during or after running
Tenderness around the underside of the heel
Symptoms that ease after warming up but return later
How We Assess Plantar Fasciitis
Not all pain underneath the heel is caused by plantar fasciitis. Other possibilities include heel fat pad irritation, a plantar fascia tear, nerve irritation or a calcaneal stress injury.
Your assessment may include examining the location and behaviour of your pain, foot and ankle movement, calf strength, balance, walking mechanics and recent changes in activity.
The aim is to confirm the likely source of your symptoms and identify the factors that may be contributing to them.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Management may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Adjusting aggravating activities without unnecessary complete rest
Progressive calf and foot strengthening
Plantar fascia and calf mobility exercises
Advice regarding footwear and temporary heel support
Gradual return to walking, running or sport
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy is frequently incorporated into treatment for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. It is used alongside osteopathic treatment and exercise rehabilitation to help reduce pain and support recovery. Whether it is appropriate will depend on your assessment and individual presentation.
Common Questions
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Complete rest is rarely necessary. It may help to temporarily reduce activities that clearly aggravate symptoms, while continuing comfortable movement and beginning an appropriate strengthening program.
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Heel spurs are commonly seen on imaging, including in people without pain. Their presence does not necessarily mean they are the cause of symptoms.
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Recovery varies. Recent symptoms may improve over several weeks, while longstanding plantar heel pain can take several months of consistent rehabilitation.
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No. Plantar fasciitis usually causes pain underneath the heel, while Achilles tendinopathy causes pain at the back of the heel or within the Achilles tendon.
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
We will assess the likely cause of your heel pain and create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity levels and goals.