Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting thousands of Australians every day. It occurs when the thick band of tissue under the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, leading to pain in the heel or arch. The discomfort is usually worst with the first steps in the morning and may return after long periods of standing or activity.
We offer personalised plantar fasciitis treatment to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and promote long-term foot health.
Benefits of Our Plantar Fasciitis Care
Our treatments for plantar fasciitis are designed to deliver both short-term relief and long-term recovery. Benefits include:
- Individualised care plans based on your lifestyle and symptoms.
- Clear explanation of the symptoms and treatment of plantar fasciitis.
- Footwear assessment and orthotic advice to protect and support your feet.
- Access to evidence-based therapies such as strapping and shockwave therapy.
What You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis
Who benefits most?
People most likely to benefit from review and early treatment for plantar fasciitis are those who spend long hours on their feet, have flat feet, low arches, or overpronation, have recently gained weight or are pregnant, wear unsupportive shoes with minimal cushioning, or have rapidly increased their activity, especially in running or jumping sports.
If any of these apply and heel pain has begun to limit your daily activities, a podiatry assessment can help you manage symptoms quickly.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
The symptoms and treatment of plantar fasciitis often overlap. Heel pain is usually sharp with the first steps after rest and may return after long standing or walking. Stiffness or aching under the foot is also common.
Diagnosis is made through a podiatry assessment, with imaging used to rule out other conditions. While a heel spur may appear on X-ray, the main problem is inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Treatment starts with rest, ice, and supportive footwear. Strapping, massage, and calf stretches help reduce strain, while short courses of anti-inflammatory medication can ease pain.
What is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth beneath the heel where the plantar fascia attaches, forming over time from repeated traction. Spurs often show on X-ray but rarely cause pain; discomfort comes from inflamed tissue. Many with plantar fasciitis have no spur, and many with spurs never develop pain. They can also appear near the Achilles tendon and usually grow slowly.
How It Works
We begin with a detailed foot assessment to confirm the cause of your heel pain. From there, we design a treatment plan that may include rest, footwear advice, and strapping as needed. If symptoms persist, we add therapies such as shockwave treatment or orthotics.
Most patients notice significant improvement within weeks when they follow their plan carefully.
Clinic Preference
Appointments are arranged by calling our reception team directly, as home visits are not available through online booking. We provide visits within a 15km radius of our Highett and Mentone clinics. A small travel fee applies if the visit is more than 5km from the clinic.