Putting Your Best Foot Forward
If that first step out of bed in the morning feels like stepping on a sharp pebble or a stabbing knife in your heel, you are not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and at Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, we see firsthand how it can sideline your daily routine.
With over 26 years of experience serving the Limerick and Charleville communities, we focus on treatments that don’t just mask the symptoms but address the root cause of your pain.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. When this tissue becomes overstretched or overloaded, small tears can develop, leading to inflammation and that signature sharp, stabbing pain.
Why Does It Happen?
Understanding the “why” is the first step toward a lasting recovery. Common triggers we see in our clinics include:
Foot Mechanics: Having very flat feet or high arches can alter how weight is distributed across your foot.
Activity Levels: A sudden increase in walking, running, or high-impact sports.
Occupation: Spending long hours on your feet on hard surfaces—a common challenge for our local retail, agricultural, and healthcare workers.
Footwear: Wearing unsupportive shoes or flat sandals without proper arch support.
Our Holistic Approach to Recovery
Our Holistic Approach to Recovery
We don’t believe in temporary fixes. Our goal is to provide a clear path to full recovery without the need for unnecessary medications or surgery.
1. Expert Physiotherapy & Gait Analysis
Every treatment begins with a detailed assessment. We look at your posture, walking pattern, and the entire “kinetic chain” to see if imbalances in your hips or knees are contributing to the strain on your feet.
2. Acupuncture and Dry Needling
By targeting specific trigger points, we can help break the “stress-pain cycle.” These techniques are highly effective at reducing inflammation, improving local blood flow, and stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
3. Custom Orthotics
Think of custom orthotics like glasses for your feet. By bringing your feet back into proper alignment, we can redistribute pressure and take the constant load off the plantar fascia.
4. Tailored Exercise Programs
We provide you with a personalized “home care” plan focusing on strengthening weak muscles and improving flexibility in the calves and Achilles tendon.
Serving Our Local Communities
We are proud to be the #1 ranked physio in Limerick and Charleville, helping thousands of patients return to the activities they love.
Limerick Clinic: Located at 8 The Stables, Huntsfield, Dooradoyle (V94). Perfect for city residents and those near University Hospital Limerick.
Charleville Clinic: Located at Unit 2 Tahilla House, Balls Lane (P56). Conveniently serving North Cork and South Limerick.
