Plantar Fasciitis  Townsville

Paediatric adjustments for children, using exceptionally gentle, age-appropriate methods

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and irritation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes, and it commonly causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. If you are wondering why your heel pain eases after a few minutes of walking but returns later in the day, this pattern is typical of plantar fasciitis, and Mark O'Brien Chiropractic assesses foot mechanics alongside the rest of the lower limb to understand why the tissue is under strain for Townsville patients.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis has a fairly distinctive symptom pattern, and Mark O'Brien Chiropractic checks for these specific signs when assessing Townsville patients with heel or arch pain.

  • Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
  • Pain that eases with gentle movement but returns after prolonged standing
  • Tenderness along the arch of the foot
  • Stiffness after periods of rest, including after sitting
  • Discomfort that worsens after exercise rather than during it

If this pattern of heel pain sounds familiar, Mark O'Brien Chiropractic can assess your foot mechanics to understand what is driving it.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis in Townsville usually develops from repeated strain on the foot rather than a single injury, and Mark O'Brien Chiropractic reviews these factors with you before recommending care.

  • Poor footwear or inadequate arch support
  • Overuse from running, walking or standing for long periods on hard surfaces
  • Tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
  • Biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches
  • Sudden increases in activity level or a change in surface

Mark O'Brien Chiropractic uses this information to identify which factors are realistic to address in your Townsville management plan.

Hands holding a foot with a glowing red pain area on the sole, resting on a fluffy white surface

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Mark O'Brien Chiropractic asks about your footwear, activity levels and when your heel pain is worst, then carries out a biomechanical assessment of your foot, ankle and lower limb. This helps us understand whether the cause is mainly related to footwear, foot mechanics, calf tightness or training load, so your Townsville care plan is targeted rather than generic.


If heel or arch pain is affecting your steps, Mark O'Brien Chiropractic in Townsville can help with a biomechanical assessment. Book an appointment online or call (07) 4721 1011.