Plantar fasciitis seems to be one of the more common foot and ankle injuries that clients present with at Principle Four Osteopathy Melbourne City CBD and Melbourne Docklands clinics. Ankle sprains and achilles tendinopathies are probably the only other two more common foot and ankle complaints that we treat at our osteopathy clinics through osteopathic manipulation for plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. The image below helps give you an idea of where it attaches and is located.
The plantar fascia attaches from the metatarsal bones to the calcaneus. In years gone by, injuries to the plantar fascia injuries have been known as plantar fasciitis. The “it is” refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia. In recent years there has been a lot more research into the physiology of tendon injuries and the changes to the plantar fascia are now thought to be degenerative in nature. Typically as a result of repetitive microtrauma. Therefore it is commonly now known as plantar fasciopathy, which can be treated by plantar fasciitis massage therapy and plantar fasciitis laser treatment.
Who Suffers From Plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis or fasciopathy typically affects middle aged or older people. Individuals who are more at risk are those who walk a lot, particularly at work. There is some evidence that work on hard surfaces increases one’s risk. Athletes who play court sports also have a greater risk of developing it. Other musculoskeletal findings that increase one’s risk include reduced ankle dorsiflexion and tight calf and hamstring muscles.
What If It Isn’t Plantar fasciitis?
If you don’t have plantar fasciitis, then the other causes could be achilles tendinopathy, fat pad contusions, calcaneal bone bruise or less commonly calcaneal stress fractures or S1 nerve root impingements, which can be treated by osteo for plantar fasciitis.
What Are The Treatment Options For Plantar fasciitis?
There are a number of different treatment options for plantar fasciitis. These can include:
- Biomechanical treatment such as orthotics, footwear modification and taping.
- Stretching techniques through plantar fasciitis physical therapy
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery
Can Osteopathy help with plantar fasciitis?
As osteopaths we will be able to provide you with hands on manual therapy, taping, shockwave therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises. When you consult with one of the osteopaths at Principle Four Osteopathy in Melbourne CBD, we will be able to provide you with your choices of osteopathic treatment for plantar fasciitis and the best treatment scenario for your particular presentation.
What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have Plantar fasciitis?
Book an appointment to see your general practitioner, plantar fasciitis osteopath or physiotherapist for further assessment and investigation. They will take you through a thorough case history and assessment and refer for imaging if required.
What Is Your Prognosis?
The prognosis for those clients with plantar fasciitis is generally pretty good.
Book Your Appointment At Principle Four Osteopathy Melbourne City and Melbourne Docklands Clinics
Click HERE to book online.
Call 03 9670 9290 to speak to our receptionist and book an appointment.
Principle Four Osteopathy Clinic Locations
The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy and plantar fasciitis treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium in Melbourne City. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
Reference
Orchard, J. Plantarfasciitis, British Medical Journal, 13th October 2012, Volume 345, pp. 35-40