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When the first step really hurts: what is plantar fasciitis and how do you fix it?

Plantar fasciitis (also sometime called plantar fasciopathy) is a common foot condition characterised by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It typically causes pain at the attachment area at the front of the heel. It is estimated that up to 10% of people will experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. There is a higher incidence in runners and individuals who spend prolonged periods of time on their feet. Plantar heel pain is often characterised by first-step pain, pain after weight bearing following periods of rest or pain during weight bearing activities performed for a long duration.

While plantar fasciitis can be a frustrating and painful condition, the good news is that there are several evidence-based treatments available. In this blog post, we will explore the best treatments for plantar fasciitis, including the role of shockwave therapy.

So if you have plantar fasciitis and think that shockwave therapy might be worth trying, go to our website and book now, or give the clinic a call on 5333 2232.

References:

DiGiovanni, B. F., Nawoczenski, D. A., Lintal, M. E., Moore, E. A., Murray, J. C., Wilding, G. E., & Baumhauer, J. F. (2003). Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 85(7), 1270-1277.

Rathleff, M. S., Mølgaard, C. M., Fredberg, U., Kaalund, S., Andersen, K. B., & Jensen, T. T. (2018). High-load strength training improves outcome