Share
What we’ll cover

    Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar Fasciitis

    Do you experience heel pain?  Pain under the heel first thing in the morning?  Heel pain that seems to go away as you warm up?  These are some of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis or fasciopathy.

    The plantar fascia is the structure underneath your foot that supports the arch.  It is made up of thick fibrous material that starts at the heel bone and branches across the arch and the ball of the foot.  Whenever you stand or walk, the plantar fascia stretches as your foot hits the ground.

    Plantar fasciitis or fasciopathy occurs when the plantar fascia becomes weak, swollen and inflamed.  This commonly results in pain at the heel where the plantar fascia inserts.

    Activities that can lead to plantar fascia include:

    • Repetitive activities such as a sudden increase in walking or running.  Even prolonged standing can cause increased load and irritation through the plantar fascia.
    • Poor bio mechanical factors including low arches, high arches or weak calf muscles can all cause an increase in force through the plantar fascia.
    • Direct trauma or injury to the foot.

    If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis, start by icing the heel regularly.  You can also try self massage of the arch using a golf ball.

    In addition to addressing the pain, it is crucial to address what is causing plantar fasciitis to fix the problem.  When you start rehabilitation, you may need a period of rest from aggravating activities.  Physiotherapists are well equipped to advise how much rest (if any!) is required.  During the early stages of rehab, tape and strapping can be applied to your arch to provide support and minimise pain.  During this time, you will be able to complete exercises to fix the associated issues that may have contributed to the problem coming on.

    Once your symptoms have calmed down, you will be able to start strengthening the tendons and surrounding muscles.  A great exercise for this is calf raises.  Try standing up onto your toes for up to 12 – 15 times per day.  Another important strategy to prevent plantar fasciitis is to maintain good calf flexibility.  Try stretching regularly or even using a foam roller for a few minutes a day.

    Remember, if you’re experiencing heel pain or plantar fasciitis, contact your physiotherapist.  Our team of physiotherapists will help you reduce the pain and address any contributing factors to help keep you active and injury free!


    Follow us
    on instagram

    Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

    You Deserve to Feel Good.

    Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with clinic news and the latest tips and advice from our team of physiotherapists.