Motion Clinic

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis treatment in Exeter through Osteopathy & Shockwave Therapy

Are you experiencing heel pain or discomfort while walking? You may suffer from plantar fasciitis, a common condition affecting many people. Did you know that only 50% of patients recover from this condition in the first year and only two-thirds recover in 10 years. At Motion Clinic in Exeter, our expert team is here to help you find relief from your pain and not be part of this statistic. We will use all tools to get you out of pain quickly; these include Osteopathy, Shockwave Therapy and Rehabilitation.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This tissue helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk, run, or jump.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain might also increase with prolonged standing or walking and may radiate to the foot’s arch.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
A sudden increase in physical activity
Excessive pronation (rolling inward) of the foot while walking or running
High arches or flat feet
40 to 60 years of age
Prolonged standing, especially on hard surfaces
Inappropriate or worn-out footwear
Obesity or carrying excess weight

Osteopathy and Plantar Fasciitis

Osteopathy is an effective treatment option for plantar fasciitis, as it focuses on the root cause of the problem by addressing the whole body’s structure and function. Our experienced osteopaths will examine your foot and lower limb biomechanics and your gait and posture to determine the underlying factors contributing to your plantar fasciitis.

Treatment may include:

Soft tissue massage and stretching to release tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons
Joint mobilisation to improve foot and ankle flexibility and function
Gait analysis and advice on appropriate footwear
Tailored exercises to strengthen and support the plantar fascia and foot muscles
Lifestyle advice to address any contributing factors, such as weight loss or activity modification

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing process in the plantar fascia. It has been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis and promoting tissue regeneration.

Don’t suffer in silence if you’re experiencing heel pain or suspect plantar fasciitis. At Motion Clinic, our expert team provides the best treatment options, including osteopathy and shockwave therapy, to help you relieve your pain and regain mobility. Contact us today to book an appointment and begin your journey towards better foot health.