(08) 7099 0188 FAX: (08) 7099 0171 contact@orthopaedics360.com.au

Plantar Fasciitis

  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin

Orthopaedics 360

“A Place to Learn”
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition resulting in chronic heel pain. The condition represents irritation / inflammation of the plantar fascia. With progression, tears in the plantar fascia may develop.

mike smith adelaide orthopaedic surgeon foot surgery hammer toe keyhole plantar fasciitis mike smith
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin
Plantar Fasciitis – Relevant Anatomy

plantar fasciitis treatment adelaide dr mike smith adelaide orthopaedic surgeon best image
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin

 

The Plantar fascia is a thick broad fibrous band that supports the arch of the foot. It runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the toes, and has an important function during weight bearing and ambulation.

Plantar Fasciitis – What are the common symptoms
Do you experience any of these?
Pain at the bottom of the heel

plantar fasciitis smaller best photo mike smith orthopaedic surgeon adelaide foot
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin

 

The classic presentation of plantar fasciitis is for patients to experience pain under the heel, which is worst when they first get up in the morning, or after long periods of rest.

Pain in the arch of the foot

Pain that is worse in the morning or after a period of rest

Gradual Progression of symptoms over months

Plantar Fasciitis

Myths Exposed

SHARE THIS:

 

 

Making the Diagnosis
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain
While Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, there are several other causes that need to be excluded. These include a stress fracture of the calcaneus, nerve irritation, achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. Dr. Smith will perform a thorough assessment of your condition to determine the diagnosis of your heel pain. A combination of a detailed history and examination of your foot will be under taken, to help exclude other causes of your heel pain. Plan xrays may be performed. A heel spur may be seen on the plain xrays. While these spurs are a common finding, they do not represent the cause of the pain and can be found in patients with no symptoms.

mike smith adelaide orthopaedic surgeon foot surgery hammer toe keyhole heel spur
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin

Ultrasound and MRI scans may assist with the diagnosis and exclusion of other conditions.

What are the non operative options

Initial treatment is aimed at calf stretching exercises and plantar fascia specific stretching exercises. Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding barefoot activities is beneficial. Limiting strenuous activity and the use of heel pads, orthotics, or even night splints may help.

 

Suffer from daily heel pain?

Keyhole plantar fascia release performed as a day procedure

You don't have to put up with the pain

Seek treatment for plantar fasciitis
Keyhole Minimally Invasive Plantar Fascia release
Dr. Mike Smith performs ‘Keyhole’ plantar fascia release surgery

This technique is used to release the thickened / tightened plantar fascia through 2 tiny incisions. It is performed as a day procedure. This specialised keyhole technique minimises scarring.

keyhole plantar fasciitis surgery dr mike smith orthopaedic surgeon adelaide best photo
  • facebook
  • googleplus
  • linkedin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is your plantar fasciitis failing to improve ?

If you are getting frustrated with your chronic heel pain and have tried other treatment options then you may be a candidate for keyhole release surgery.

Big toe (1st MTP joint) Arthritis

Orthopaedics 360 "A Place to Learn" Big Toe Arthritis most commonly affects that base of the toe, at the joint called the 1st Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint . It is the most common location for arthritis around the foot and ankle, and is typically seen in adults...

read more

Disclaimer: Please note that this is general advice only - for more information, please consult your regular doctor, or obtain a referral to see a specialist orthopaedic surgeon. 

Orthopaedics 360

Orthopaedics 360

P: (08) 7099 0188

F: (08) 7099 0171

Southern Specialist Centre

Orthopaedics 360

P: (08) 7099 0188

F: (08) 7099 0171

Health @ Hindmarsh

Orthopaedics 360

P: (08) 7099 0188

F: (08) 7099 0171

if you need to see us, please book by clicking the link:

Share This

Share This

Like it? We'd love you to share it!