Plantar Fasciitis
Expert Care for Plantar Fasciitis and Persistent Heel Pain
Heel pain can make walking difficult. At Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic, plantar fasciitis is the foot problem we treat most often. Our podiatrists know how to manage it and are here to help ease your pain, bring back your comfort, and help you walk confidently again.
Call our friendly reception today to book your appointment.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding heel pain
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the plantar fascia, the long band of tissue that runs along the base of your foot and supports your arch. It develops when the plantar fascia is overloaded by repeated stress or tension. As the tissue becomes inflamed, everyday movement can become painful.
Without the right treatment, the pain often worsens over time and can affect your daily routine.
At Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic, our podiatrists assess your symptoms, identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan that supports long-term recovery.
You may notice discomfort when you:
Take your first steps in the morning- Walk or stand for long periods
- Exercise, run or jump
- Spend hours on hard surfaces
Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis usually starts as a sharp pain in the base of the heel. It can also be felt in the arch of the foot. The pain is typically most intense when you first stand up, especially in the morning.
Stage 1
Early Plantar Fasciitis
In the early stages, the pain on first standing usually eases after a short period. Many people ignore it at this point because it seems to go away on its own.
Stage 2
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Over time, plantar fasciitis becomes more debilitating as both the intensity and duration of the pain increase. Chronic plantar fasciitis is generally most painful on your first steps, but it remains painful for the rest of the day.
You may experience:
- Sharp pain beneath the heel
- Pain along the arch of your foot
- Stabbing pain on your first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases with movement at first, but returns or lingers over time
- Discomfort after standing for long periods
- Tenderness when pressing on the bottom of the heel
If you have recurring morning heel pain, don’t ignore it. Early assessment can help stop the condition from becoming chronic and support a faster recovery.
Causes & risk factors
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by overloading the plantar fascia. Activities that place excessive tension or stress on the tissue cause irritation and inflammation.
Common Causes
Activities that can overload the plantar fascia include:
- Standing for long hours on hard surfaces
- Wearing poor footwear
- Running, jumping and other high-impact activities
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for plantar fasciitis. These include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive foot pronation
- Poor footwear
- Long hours of standing on hard surfaces
- Running and jumping activities
- Obesity
Our podiatrists identify the factors contributing to your heel pain and use this information to build a treatment plan that supports recovery and helps prevent future flare-ups.
Treatment
How Do We Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
No two cases of plantar fasciitis are the same. Our expert podiatrists formulate a treatment plan specific to your needs and requirements.
Foot Strapping
In most cases, we begin treatment with foot strapping. Strapping offloads the plantar fascia, allowing the inflammation and pain to settle.
Footwear Advice
The right footwear plays an important role in recovery. We advise you on shoes that improve support and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Activity Modification
We discuss your activity levels and suggest practical changes that reduce stress on your feet while keeping you active.
For many patients, strapping, footwear advice and activity changes are enough to achieve full pain relief and recovery.
Custom Foot Orthotics
If further treatment is needed for full recovery, we may recommend custom foot orthotics. They are a long-term treatment that offloads stress on the plantar fascia and reduces pressure on the painful area. Our team is highly skilled and experienced in prescribing custom foot orthotics, providing orthotics of the highest quality that are effective.
Treatment for Extreme Cases
In extreme cases of plantar fasciitis, or where there is a tear in the plantar fascia, additional treatment may be required. Your podiatrist will discuss the best options with you.
It is important to note that not all heel pain is related to plantar fasciitis. Our expert team will properly assess and diagnose your condition, so an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated for your specific needs.
Don’t wait
Why Early Treatment Matters
Plantar fasciitis tends to become more painful and longer lasting the longer it goes untreated. Early care can relieve pain sooner, support healing and help stop the condition from becoming chronic.
If your heel pain persists, visit our podiatrists. We will identify the cause, create the right treatment plan and help you return to work, sport and daily activities with confidence.
Why choose us
Why Choose Melton and Bacchus Marsh Foot Clinic for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?
Effective treatment starts with the right diagnosis. Our podiatrists take the time to understand your symptoms, find the cause of your heel pain and recommend the most effective treatment for your recovery.
Extensive Plantar Fasciitis Experience
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot complaint and injury we treat. Our team has extensive experience managing it, from early heel pain to chronic cases.
Accurate Assessment and Diagnosis
Not all heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. We carry out a thorough assessment to properly diagnose your condition before recommending treatment.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Every patient is different. We tailor your treatment plan to your symptoms, activity level and recovery goals.
Skilled Orthotic Prescription
When orthotics are needed, our podiatrists prescribe custom devices of the highest quality, designed to offload the plantar fascia and support long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the First Step Towards Lasting Heel Pain Relief
Don’t let heel pain hold you back. Our experienced podiatrists will assess your condition, identify the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.