Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent cause of heel pain, characterised by inflammation or damage to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. Its primary function is to support the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed or damaged, it leads to a condition known as plantar fasciitis, causing significant discomfort, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can develop from a variety of factors, including:

  • Excessive Physical Activity: A sudden increase in physical activity can overload the plantar fascia.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack support can strain the fascia.
  • Foot Structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
  • Weight Gain: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation.
  • Trauma: Direct injury to the foot can also cause plantar fasciitis.
Heel Pain - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast Podiatrists

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. This pain is typically most severe with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting or standing. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain that decreases with activity but returns after prolonged rest
  • Stiffness and tenderness in the heel
  • Swelling around the heel area

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Accurate diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. Our Sunshine Coast Podiatrists utilise a comprehensive approach to diagnosing plantar fasciitis, which may include:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing the foot structure, walking pattern, and pain points.
  • Imaging Tests: X-rays or ultrasound may be conducted to rule out other issues such as stress fractures or to confirm the presence of inflammation.

Treatment Options

Treating plantar fasciitis involves a combination of approaches aimed at relieving pain and promoting healing:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that strain the plantar fascia helps to alleviate symptoms.
  • Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding flat, unsupportive footwear is crucial.
  • Custom Orthotics: These can correct foot mechanics and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises can strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing and break down scar tissue.

 

Read more by clicking on the treatments below:

Sunshine Coast Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics

A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in

Read More »
Running and Gate Assessments at Elite Foot Care

Gait and Running Assessments

Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been

Read More »
Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) is a manual therapy technique that aims to restore normal function to the foot and lower limb by addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on symptom relief, FMT targets the root cause of pain and discomfort, promoting long-term healing

Read More »
Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry needing is a form of soft tissue therapy designed to release myofascial trigger points, which are defined as tight muscle fibres. Trigger point dry needling can be carried out at superficial or deep tissue level. It is used to release these tight trigger points and allow full function back

Read More »
Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has positive effects on tissue regeneration for tendons, bones, muscles and cartilage. It is a great treatment option for acute and longterm soreness and injury. The Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave uses single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal and dermatological pathologies.

Read More »
Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

Read More »
Foot and Ankle Strapping - Elite Foot Care

Strapping

Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.

Read More »
Footwear Modification - Elite Foot Care

Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

Read More »
Exercise Prescription - Elite Foot Care

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

Read More »

Preventive Measures

Preventing plantar fasciitis involves:

  • Wearing appropriate, supportive footwear
  • Gradually increasing activity levels
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Performing regular stretching exercises for the feet and calves
  • Using custom orthotics if recommended by your podiatrist

 

At our Sunshine Coast clinics in Woombye and Sippy Downs, we offer personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced podiatrists are committed to helping you achieve pain relief and regain your mobility through advanced diagnostic tools and treatment approaches.

If you’re suffering from heel pain that you suspect might be plantar fasciitis contact our friendly reception team on 07 5328 3588 to schedule an appointment or book online.

For more information on plantar fasciitis and our comprehensive treatment options, visit our .

Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Josh Taylor - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

15 Fairfax Street, Sippy Downs, 4556
(level 2 in Fairfax Village building)