Is the pain in your heels disrupting your daily routine and hampering your fitness goals? You’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis, is a common condition affecting up to 10% of the population. The hallmark of this condition is a sharp, stabbing pain when taking those first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The good news is, you don’t have to endure this discomfort.
Who Is at Risk?
Plantar fasciitis tends to strike individuals with:
- Flat or high-arched feet.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Newcomers to exercise or those who overexert themselves.
- People with highly active jobs.
- Individuals who spend long hours on hard surfaces, such as hairdressers.
The plantar fascia, a robust fibrous band spanning from the heel to the ball of your foot, forms the arch of your foot. Overuse can strain this band, leading to pain and inflammation.
The Evolving Approach to Plantar Fasciitis
Traditionally, treatments for plantar fasciitis centred on orthotics and stretches, with conflicting literature regarding their effectiveness.¹² But the landscape is changing.
At Brunswick Health, we offer a range of innovative treatments for persistent heel pain:
- Strapping and Taping: Providing immediate relief.
- Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: Addressing underlying muscle issues.
- Footwear Modifications: Enhancing comfort and support.
- Shockwave Therapy: A groundbreaking treatment option.
Recent studies have highlighted the impressive effectiveness of shockwave therapy for both chronic and acute plantar fasciitis. Long-term pain relief has been observed in over 82% of cases, with minimal recurrence after six years. Notably, research indicates superior outcomes compared to steroid injections, all without any reported long-term complications.³
Our Comprehensive Approach
At Brunswick Health, we take a multifaceted approach to plantar fasciitis and heel pain:
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Pain Relief: We start with an assessment to determine the best pain relief method, which may include manual shockwave therapy, soft tissue therapy, strapping, and dry needling.
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Biomechanical Assessment: We evaluate lower limb biomechanics and foot function, identifying any structural issues that can be corrected to facilitate healing. Supportive measures like taping, orthotics, or further imaging may be considered to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
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Treatment Options: We offer a wide array of treatments tailored to your specific needs. This can encompass supportive footwear and orthotics, dry needling, soft tissue therapy, shockwave therapy, and a customized exercise regimen.
Our goal is to identify the root cause of your heel pain and ensure you walk pain-free once again. Don’t let the discomfort of plantar fasciitis hold you back from achieving your goals. Come see us, and let’s get you back on your feet.
- Covey C, Mulder M. Plantar Fasciitis: How best to treat? The Journal of Family Practice. 2013 Sept;62(9): 466-471.
- Landorf KB, Keenan AM, Herbert RD. Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Oct;55(10): 844.